Sonny Gray’s former team, the Oakland Athletics, have reached out to the New York Yankees about the right-handed starting pitcher.
The Oakland Athletics have reached out to the New York Yankees about trading for right-hander Sonny Gray, according to MLB insider Jon Morosi.
Sources: #Yankees, #Athletics have had contact about a deal that would send Sonny Gray back to Oakland, but there is no present momentum in talks. Oakland is looking for pitching and clearly comfortable bringing back former A’s (Cahill, Anderson, et al). @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 16, 2018
Gray, 29, came to the Yankees from Oakland at the 2017 Trade Deadline. New York sent three prospects to the A’s in return, including outfielder Dustin Fowler. Gray struggled mightily in 2018, going 11-9 with a 4.90 ERA and was eventually bumped from the starting rotation.
GM Brian Cashman said last month he would trade Gray this offseason, and here we are today.
And the A’s aren’t the only team interested in Gray. Morosi reported earlier today the Cincinnati Reds had also contacted the Yankees, but Oakland seems to make more sense.
Gray knows the team and saw plenty of success on the west coast. He posted a 3.42 ERA in four-and-a-half seasons in Oakland and finished third in AL Cy Young voting in 2015.
At this point, it’s all going to come down to what Oakland or any other team is willing to give up for Sonny Gray. He has one year of team control left and his salary will come at a bargain given his down 2018.
The Yankees are unlikely to receive top prospects for him, but asking for pitching depth like Grant Holmes or Dalton Sawyer isn’t entirely outrageous.
One way or another, Cashman seems motivated to move Gray this winter as New York revamps its starting rotation. If Oakland presents a respectable offer, he should pull the trigger.
