As the Atlanta Braves near the end of the regular season, their postseason future is still unclear. Regardless of how things shake out, the team will soon be facing some key decisions, particularly regarding their pitching staff. Max Fried, a crucial part of the Braves’ rotation, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. There’s a real possibility that he may become too expensive for the Braves to retain.
If Fried leaves, Atlanta will need to find a replacement in their starting rotation. One name that could be on their radar is St. Louis Cardinals ace Sonny Gray. The Cardinals are potentially heading into a rebuild, and reports suggest Gray might be available in a trade.
FanSided’s Josh Jacobs recently analyzed the Cardinals’ situation and listed potential trade destinations for Gray, mentioning the Braves as a possible fit. He pointed out that Gray’s no-trade clause gives him control over his future, but St. Louis appears open to moving him if they shift into a rebuilding phase.
Jacobs mentioned several reasons why Atlanta could be a logical landing spot for Gray. One key factor is Gray’s connection to the region—he’s from Nashville, Tennessee, and location played a significant role in his free agency decisions last offseason. Another reason is that the Braves may have holes to fill in their rotation, with Fried likely to depart and Charlie Morton’s contract also expiring.
Gray had another solid year in 2023, finishing with a 3.84 ERA over 28 starts. He signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the Cardinals last winter, so he’s under contract for two more seasons. If Fried does leave Atlanta, Gray could provide a strong veteran presence in the Braves rotation, offering stability for the next couple of years.
While it’s still unclear if Gray will be open to a trade, and the Cardinals may choose to keep him, the Braves could be in the market for a pitcher of his caliber. If they lose Fried in free agency, Gray might be a natural fit to step in and help maintain Atlanta’s standing as a top contender in the National League.
