In a bold move reshaping both teams' futures, the St. Louis Cardinals have traded 36-year-old Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox reworked Gray's contract to a one-year, $31 million deal with a mutual option the following season that includes a $10 million buyout. The Cardinals are sending $20 million in the trade. In return, the Cardinals received pitchers Brandon Clarke and Richard Fitts.
Source confirms: Sonny Gray traded from Cardinals to Red Sox. Contract being reworked to one-year plus mutual option. 2026 salary will be $31M, mutual option buyout of $10M. Gray essentially getting $41M for one year.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 25, 2025
Are the Cardinals going to continue to salary dump after trading away their ace? This trade may finally push 34-year-old Nolan Arenado to waive his no-trade clause. The Cardinals had a deal last season to send Arenado to the Houston Astros, but he vetoed it. Now in the final two years of his eight-year, $260 million contract, Arenado faces renewed trade speculation.
Cardinals must commit to rebuild, trade Nolan Arenado after Sonny Gray blockbuster
The Cardinals are eager to get younger. If they trade Arenado, Willson Contreras will be the only hitter in the lineup over 29. This move opens up a spot for Nolan Gorman to get consistent at-bats. Previously, the 25-year-old had been blocked by Brendan Donovan and Arenado.
Potential fits for Arenado include the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Boston Red Sox. The Angels may be the odd team out, since they do not project as contenders next season. Still, Arenado could welcome a return home—he is from Southern California.
The Diamondbacks and Red Sox both have needs at third base. For Arizona, Blaze Alexander and Jordan Lawler are the top options. Lawler was the primary designated hitter down the stretch last season, struggling defensively with -3 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved). Meanwhile, Alexander provided solid defense, tallying 7 DRS.
Alexander, though, offers limited power. He hit only seven home runs in 266 plate appearances. Arenado's power has dipped each of the last six years, but last season he hit 12 home runs over 436 plate appearances. That total would be an upgrade over Alexander.
The Red Sox are awaiting Alex Bregman's free agency decision. Should Bregman sign elsewhere, they can turn to Marcelo Mayer to fill third base. Mayer, however, suffered a wrist injury in his rookie debut last August, requiring season-ending surgery. Primarily a middle infielder, Mayer will likely need time to adjust to third.
The Tigers currently rely on Colt Keith, Matt Vierling, Zach McKinstry, and Kevin McGonigle — each had more than 100 plate appearances last season. Yet, none represent a significant upgrade over Arenado, offensively or defensively.
No matter where Arenado could end up, trading the veteran serves the Cardinals' best interests. They are clearly ready to rebuild after trading Gray for young talent, and can further stock their prospect cupboards by trading away the all-time-great third baseman.