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An intriguing MLB rumor about the St. Louis Cardinals’ offseason plans is good news for both the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles.

After another losing season and a third straight year outside the playoffs, it seems like the Cardinals are headed to a more focused rebuild. Instead of trying to develop youth while still contending for the postseason. A new report from The Athletic’s Katie Woo added more momentum to that strategy with the details on a major shift in the team’s thinking.

Woo claims that Cardinals “Ownership is more agreeable to including additional money in trades to ensure a better return product, those sources said — something the club has vehemently opposed in the past.” Earlier this week, President Chaim Bloom explained plans for an even greater focus on identifying talent in the draft and then developing them into impact stalwarts on the roster.

That means future Hall of Famer Nolan Arenado is a lock to be traded this winter after St. Louis did not want to pick up any of the remaining money in his contract to complete a trade. However, three-time All-Star Sonny Gray will also likely be moved, and that will certainly intrigue teams like the Orioles and Padres.

  • Sonny Gray stats: 14-8 W-L, 4.28 ERA, 1.234 WHIP, 201 SO, 38 BB, 180.2 IP,

Could the Orioles or Padres target Sonny Gray trade this offseason?

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Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Baltimore had a shockingly poor showing in 2025 and actually finished last in the AL East after reaching the postseason the previous two years. The Padres got back to the playoffs this year, but were ousted in the Wild Card round this week by the Chicago Cubs.

The pair of teams has a strong core of talent in the field and likely won’t make big additions to their batting order. However, the Padres are likely to lose Dylan Cease and Michael King in free agency, while the Orioles need more veteran depth in the rotation to go with Trevor Rogers and Kyle Braddish.

  • Sonny Gray contract: Two years and $65 million left (Club option in 2027)

Sonny Gray is a player who should appeal to the Padres and Orioles. While the 35-year-old had a down season this year, in terms of ERA and WHIP, he still won 14 games. Furthermore, the three-time All-Star is only guaranteed one more season at $35 million. He has a club option in 2027 for $30 million.

If the Cardinals are willing to pick up some of that money in 2026, Gray seems like a worthwhile one-year rental for both teams to bolster their rotations with a rock-solid veteran next season.