BREAKING: Trade Pitch Sees Mets Acquiring $75 Million Ace in 3-Player lucrative deal with Cardinals
The New York Mets are looking to strengthen their rotation after losing two starters to injuries, and a proposed trade would bring them an ace in Sonny Gray to help bolster the staff.
MLB analyst Zach Pressnell from FanSided suggested a major trade in which the Mets would acquire Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Mets acquire:
- Sonny Gray
Cardinals acquire:
- Nolan McLean
- Drew Gilbert
This trade would be a significant move for New York, as Gray could become the team’s ace in exchange for two of their top prospects. Gray is in the second year of a three-year, $75 million contract, with a club option for a fourth year at $30 million in 2027. A three-time All-Star, Gray would provide a key boost to the Mets’ rotation, especially with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas sidelined by injuries. Last season, Gray went 13-9 with a 3.84 ERA in 38 games with the Cardinals.
In exchange, the Mets would send McLean, their fifth-ranked prospect, to the Cardinals. McLean, a 23-year-old right-hander drafted in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft, reached Double-A last season. Across A+ and Double-A, he posted a 3.78 ERA with a 4-10 record in 25 starts.
The Mets would also trade Gilbert, their 11th-ranked prospect. The outfielder, who reached Triple-A in 2024, could be ready for a major league call-up this season. Originally drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros, Gilbert was part of the trade for Justin Verlander. He batted .205 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs in the minors in 2024.
Analyst Calls Trade a Win-Win for Mets & Cardinals
The proposed trade seems beneficial for both the Mets and the Cardinals.
New York would secure a top-tier starter, while St. Louis would receive two high-potential prospects to aid in their rebuilding process, in addition to shedding Gray’s contract. Pressnell describes the trade as a win-win for both teams.
“The Mets would acquire the starter they need while retaining all their prospects with a clear path to the majors. St. Louis would be unloading salary and gaining two talented prospects to replace Gray. It’s a win-win for both teams,” Pressnell wrote.
Pressnell believes that if the Mets are going to strengthen their rotation, it will likely have to come through a trade, and Gray is a logical fit for them.
Mets Name Clay Holmes Opening Day Starter
The New York Mets have named free agent acquisition Clay Holmes their Opening Day starter for the 2025 season.
Holmes, who signed a three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets during the offseason, will make the transition from a reliever to a starter. After impressing in spring training, and with injuries sidelining Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza decided to give Holmes the nod for Opening Day.
“He earned it,” Mendoza said. “We like what we’re seeing. I know it’s a small sample size here, but it’s really encouraging. He really put himself in a really good position. Showed up here early in camp. He was ahead of everyone. But again, I think it’s more how he’s looked so far making that transition. And, we’re comfortable with him going on Opening Day… I know he’s worked really hard. Proud of him.”
The Mets will open their 2025 season on the road against the Houston Astros on March 27.