St Louis Cardinals Ace Sonny Gray Open To Waiving His No-Trade Clause

Following another season falling short of the playoffs, the St Louis Cardinals are signaling a full-blown youth movement, and the veterans are taking notice. Ace pitcher Sonny Gray, after a solid but ultimately frustrating season, has stated he will consider waiving his no-trade clause this offseason.

“I think I do, just to be frank and to be honest,” Gray told reporters after his final start. “I came here to win. I signed here two years ago with the expectation of winning and trying to win, and that hasn’t played out that way. I want to win, and I expect to win.”

For a 35-year-old pitcher heading into the final year of his contract, the clock is ticking. Gray didn’t sign with the St Louis Cardinals to be a mentor; he signed to chase a championship. With the team now pivoting to rebuild and reallocate payroll, his desire to play meaningful October baseball puts him at a crossroads with the organization’s new direction.

Why Would Sonny Gray Want To Leave St. Louis?

It boils down to one word: winning. When Gray inked his deal with the St Louis Cardinals, the expectation was contention. Instead, the team is set to miss the postseason for the third straight year. With the new President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom, about to steer the ship, the franchise is looking to get younger and leaner. That often means trading established, high-priced veterans for prospects. 

Gray knows the deal. He’s a decorated veteran, a three-time All-Star, and a two-time top-three Cy Young finisher. He’s not just another arm; he’s a competitor who wants a shot at a ring before his career winds down. At 36, entering his 14th season, the window for that opportunity is closing. Staying with a rebuilding St Louis Cardinals squad doesn’t align with that goal.

The Complicated Contract Situation

While Gray might be willing to pack his bags, his contract makes a trade anything but simple. He is owed a hefty $35 million in 2026, plus a $5 million buyout on a 2027 club option. This backloaded deal presents a massive financial hurdle for potential suitors. For luxury tax purposes, his hit is calculated at a staggering $40 million. For top-tier spenders like the Dodgers or Mets, that figure could effectively double to over $80 million due to tax penalties. No team is paying that price for one year of a 36-year-old pitcher, no matter how solid he is.

To make a deal happen, the St Louis Cardinals will have to eat a significant portion of that salary. The more money they’re willing to pay down, the better the prospect return they can command. If they simply want to clear payroll, they might find a taker by covering $8-10 million. However, if they want a meaningful return to fuel their youth movement, they’ll likely need to invest closer to $20-25 million.

What’s Next for the St Louis Cardinals?

Gray’s announcement puts the ball squarely in the front office’s court. He has made it clear that he wants to compete, and he has spoken at length with Chaim Bloom about the team’s direction. It seems his final start—a solid six-inning, two-run performance—could very well have been his last in a Cardinals uniform.

The offseason will reveal the organization’s true priorities. Are they willing to absorb a massive financial hit to acquire young talent and officially turn the page? Or will they hold onto their ace, hoping his veteran presence provides stability for a young rotation? One thing is certain: the hot stove season in St. Louis just got a lot more interesting.