With Opening Day fast approaching, one might assume the Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals have wrapped up major trades. However, that’s not entirely the case—especially for the Cardinals. All-Star third baseman continues to be linked to the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, while veteran pitchers Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Steven Matz could be on the move in the coming months.
For the Orioles, now is an ideal time to pursue Gray, particularly if the Cardinals are looking to expedite their rebuild. Gray, who posted a 13-9 record with a 3.84 ERA across 28 starts last season, is in the first year of a three-year, $75 million contract signed after 2023, with a team option for 2027. Here’s a potential trade scenario that could benefit both teams:
Baltimore Orioles receive:
- Sonny Gray, P
St. Louis Cardinals receive:
- Dylan Beavers, OF
- Brandon Young, P
- Max Wagner, 3B
- Peter Van Loon, P
At first glance, this might seem like a significant return for the Cardinals. However, considering they are on the brink of a rebuild, it makes sense. Meanwhile, the Orioles, aiming for a World Series run in a division featuring the Yankees, could greatly benefit from adding a reliable arm like Gray. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Baltimore is listed as a +600 favorite to win the American League, trailing only New York (+300).
Beavers, the centerpiece of this deal, was the 33rd overall pick in 2022 and hit .242 with 15 home runs, 54 RBIs, and an impressive 31 stolen bases (out of 34 attempts) last season. He finished the year playing all three outfield positions at Triple-A, making him close to MLB-ready—a key asset for St. Louis.
Young, another Triple-A prospect, could contribute at the major league level this year. He recorded a 3.44 ERA in 20 games (18 starts) at Norfolk in 2023. While he may not step into Gray’s role immediately, the 26-year-old has the potential to earn a rotation spot in the near future.
Wagner, a 2022 second-round pick, struggled at Double-A (.109 batting average in 19 games) but could bounce back. Van Loon, in his first full season as a starter, posted a 2.66 ERA in 12 games (11 starts) for Double-A Chesapeake Baysox. The 26-year-old is currently in Orioles camp as a non-roster invitee.
Though parting with multiple prospects for a 35-year-old pitcher is a gamble, it’s one the Orioles should consider if they are serious about securing their first World Series title in over four decades.