PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 25: Detail of a St. Louis Cardinals batting helmet in the dugout before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
For St. Louis Cardinals fans, hearing “They wanted to be here” often triggers frustration and jokes about the team’s management decisions. But in the case of Sonny Gray, his strong desire to join the Cardinals actually prevented him from signing with one of their division rivals.
According to a recent report by Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Gray’s free agency involved serious interest from the Cincinnati Reds, who made a competitive offer similar to what the Cardinals proposed. However, Gray’s personal longing to play in St. Louis outweighed the financial considerations.
Interestingly, the Cardinals did not initiate contact with Gray until later in the process, highlighting Gray’s unwavering preference to join the Cardinals. He was captivated by the electric atmosphere of Busch Stadium and the team’s longstanding competitiveness, which influenced his decision a year before he became a free agent.
During the offseason, speculation surrounded Gray’s potential suitors, including the Cardinals, Reds, and Atlanta Braves due to their proximity to his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.
Despite perceptions that St. Louis may not hold the same allure for players as it once did, Gray’s commitment demonstrates otherwise. His signing not only filled a crucial role in the Cardinals’ pitching rotation but also bolstered their clubhouse with his leadership and player development contributions.
Had Gray not chosen St. Louis, it’s uncertain if the Cardinals could have secured a frontline starter they sought. Other targets like Yoshinobu Yamamoto were beyond their budget, while trade values for Tyler Glasnow and Dylan Cease were prohibitive. Gray’s arrival proved pivotal, potentially altering their offseason strategy toward pitchers like Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, though neither has matched Gray’s impact this season.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Gray’s integration into the Cardinals’ culture underscores his strong desire to join this storied franchise. His decision has been warmly received by Cardinals fans who appreciate his dedication to wearing the iconic Birds on the Bat.
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