Sonny Gray finds himself in an unexpected position heading into the 2025 MLB season. After joining the St. Louis Cardinals as a marquee free-agent signing following the 2023 season, the veteran right-hander is now navigating a team focused on developing young talent amidst payroll reductions and the departure of key players like Paul Goldschmidt.

At the outset of the offseason, Nolan Arenado seemed like a sure bet to be traded from the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, here we are, long after the biggest MLB free agency dominoes have fallen, and the eight-time All-Star is still a member of the Cardinals.

Coming off an up-and-down first season with the St. Louis Cardinals, Sonny Gray stood firm on remaining part of the organization, even as the Cardinals navigate the early stages of a cost-cutting, roster-shaking reset.