The Cincinnati Reds continue to tear down their roster, with yet another part of their 2021 rotation, Sonny Gray, leaving the team — this time, via trade.
No reporter got the scoop on this one, as the teams announced the deal, themselves:
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) March 13, 2022
Last season, Gray made 26 starts with a mediocre 4.19 ERA, but he carried far better peripherals (3.25 xERA, 27.0 K%, 47.2 GB%, 29.1 hard%, etc.). So this is actually a really strong pickup for the Twins, who’ll now have control over Gray for 2022 ($10M) and 2023 ($12M club option).
The Twins rotation options now include Gray, Dylan Bundy, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Randy Dobnak, Lewis Thorpe, and Griffen Jax. Which … isn’t necessarily that strong of a group and likely why they may not be done yet:
Twins are still looking to add another starting pitcher even after acquiring Sonny Gray today
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 13, 2022
But because there’s a lot of value there, the Twins had to give up the 26th overall pick in the 2021 draft, right-hander Chase Petty, who was throwing over 100 MPH as a HIGH SCHOOLER. He was the Twins’ 7th ranked prospect, but there’s a lot of upwards mobility.
More broadly, the starting pitching market has moved slowly, but at least it’s finally starting to churn – Clayton Kerhsaw returned to the Dodgers, Carlos Rodon went to the Giants, Yusei Kikuchi signed with the Blue Jays, and Chris Bassitt was sent to the Mets. Meanwhile, the positional free agent market has … been silent, as everyone seemingly awaits a decision from Freddie Freeman, whose choice will impact so many other teams and free agents.