With Opening Day fast approaching, one might assume the Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals have wrapped up their major trade moves—but that may not be the case for St. Louis. All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado continues to be linked to the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, while veteran starters Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, and Steven Matz could also be on the move in the coming months.
For the Orioles, now might be the ideal time to explore a trade for Gray, especially if the Cardinals are looking to accelerate their rebuild. Gray posted a 13-9 record with a 3.84 ERA over 28 starts last season, the first of a three-year, $75 million contract he signed after 2023. His deal also includes a team option for 2027, making him a potentially valuable asset.
A trade between Baltimore and St. Louis could make sense for both sides, and it’s a scenario worth considering as the season nears.
Proposed Trade: Baltimore Orioles & St. Louis Cardinals
- Baltimore Orioles receive: Sonny Gray (P)
- St. Louis Cardinals receive: Dylan Beavers (OF), Brandon Young (P), Max Wagner (3B), Peter Van Loon (P)
While this may seem like a significant return for the Cardinals, it’s important to remember they are on the verge of a rebuild. Meanwhile, the Orioles are in win-now mode as they aim for a World Series run in a tough AL East that includes the Yankees.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Baltimore has +600 odds to win the American League, second only to New York (+300). Beavers is the key piece in this deal—selected 33rd overall in 2022, he hit .242 with 15 home runs, 54 RBIs, and an impressive 31 stolen bases in 34 attempts last season.
For the Orioles, acquiring Gray would bolster their rotation as they push for a championship, while the Cardinals would add multiple promising prospects to strengthen their farm system for the future.
Beavers finished last season playing all three outfield positions at Triple-A, positioning himself on the cusp of a major league debut. His versatility and proximity to the big leagues make him a valuable addition for the Cardinals, who could see immediate benefits from his arrival.
Young is another Triple-A prospect who could make an impact at the MLB level this season. He posted a 3.44 ERA across 20 games (18 starts) for Norfolk last year. While he may not step in as an immediate replacement for Gray in April, the 26-year-old has the potential to earn a rotation spot down the line.
Wagner, a second-round pick in 2022, is included as a bounce-back candidate after struggling in Double-A, where he hit just .109 in 19 games. Meanwhile, Van Loon enjoyed a strong first full season as a starter, recording a 2.66 ERA in 12 games (11 starts) for Double-A Chesapeake. The 26-year-old is currently in Orioles camp as a non-roster invitee.
While Baltimore would be giving up a significant prospect haul for a 35-year-old pitcher, the move could be a worthwhile gamble. If the Orioles are serious about contending for their first World Series title in over 40 years, adding an experienced arm like Gray might be the right move.
