The Philadelphia Phillies had a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 95-67 record and capturing the highly competitive NL East title. However, their playoff run was short-lived as they fell to the New York Mets in four games in the NLDS. Heading into the 2025 season, the Phillies boast one of the league’s most formidable starting rotations, featuring Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Christopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Ranger Suarez. Despite this strength, Suarez will start the season on the injured list, and with free agency looming after the season, Philadelphia may consider trading him.
While the Phillies have depth options in Taijuan Walker and top prospect Andrew Painter, they could explore adding another starter. One potential target is Sonny Gray, as the St. Louis Cardinals appear to be entering a rebuild. The three-time All-Star had a solid 2024 campaign, finishing with a 13-9 record, a 3.84 ERA, and 203 strikeouts over 166.1 innings. Philadelphia’s farm system ranks around the middle of the pack, featuring four top-100 prospects, while St. Louis lacks high-upside infield and outfield talent in the minors. The Phillies could offer a trade package centered on some of their younger bats, who are still a few years away from reaching the majors.
The Cardinals, looking to shed payroll, might be inclined to move Gray, who is under contract for $25 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026, with a club option for 2027 at $30 million (including a $5 million buyout). If the Phillies decide to part ways with Suarez and Painter isn’t quite ready for the majors, acquiring Gray could be a viable option to reinforce their rotation.