Sonny Gray’s future with the New York Yankees is in doubt. It’s unlikely that GM Brian Cashman trade Gray, but there is reported interest.
New York Yankees starter Sonny Gray has drawn a “bit of interest” from other teams ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred. Heyman also noted the Yankees’ primary focus was adding to the starting rotation instead of subtracting.
There’s said to be a bit of interest in Sonny Gray in trade, as there are folks who believe he’d do better in another market. But Yanks’ main interest is in adding to rotation, not subtracting from it.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 22, 2018
The interest in Gray is totally legitimate too. The 28-year-old is 4-4 with a 3.62 ERA on the road, and 3-3 with a 7.62 ERA at Yankee Stadium. Opposing hitters also bat .237 against Gray on the road compared to .310 at home. He has struggled to a record of 7-7 with a 5.34 ERA this season.
No teams are publicly attached to Gray yet, but it’s hard to see the Yankees trading him, at least at this point. GM Brian Cashman acquired Gray from the Oakland A’s for three prospects at last year’s deadline, and Gray went 4-7 with a 3.72 ERA following the trade. In Game 4 of the ALCS, he limited the Houston Astros to two runs (one earned) on a single hit in five innings.
Not only that, but Gray has gone 2-0 with a 1.62 ERA in his last two starts. Yesterday, against the New York Mets, He allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits over 5.1 innings, picking up the win as the Yankees won 7-6. On July 11, he held the Baltimore Orioles scoreless over six strong innings. He has been inconsistent all year, but his last two starts allowed for some hope.
The Yankees also need to worry more about their fifth starter situation now that Domingo German has been demoted. Luis Cessa is unreliable long-term, and that hole needs to be prioritized with Jordan Montgomery out for the season.
Thus, expect Sonny Gray to remain in pinstripes unless Cashman receives an incredible offer.
