Potential Braves target traded to the Boston Red Sox

Passan added that the Cardinals are sending $20 million, covering almost exactly half of what Gray is owed over the next year. Gray will make $31 million in 2026 and has a mutual option for 2027 that includes a $10 million buyout. The Red Sox will be on the hook for $21 million of the deal.

Gray is a name that’s been connected to the Braves several times over the last decade, but a deal has never materialized. This kind of move would’ve been eerily similar to ones we’ve seen Atlanta make in the past with guys like Charlie Morton, Dallas Keuchel, and Cole Hamels — veteran arms with strong track records who signed one-year deals in the $15–20 million range.

Since the start of the 2019 season, Gray owns a 3.51 ERA and a 124 ERA+ (24% above league average) over 184 starts. He’ll be 36 next year and is exactly the kind of affordable, proven starter the Braves should be targeting this offseason.