1 reason why Reds’ reunion with Sonny Gray could work and 3 reasons why it won’tSonny Gray will be a free agent this offseason and could be on the Reds’ radar.

Upon the formal start of the offseason, Sonny Gray is sure to become one of the most sought-after free agents. After one of his best seasons to date, the three-time All-Star will enter the free agent market with a plethora of suitors.

With 32 starts, Gray went 8–8, registering an ERA of 2.79, 1.15 WHIP, and a 24.3 percent strikeout rate. In the AL Cy Young voting, Gray is probably going to place at least in the Top 5, if not in the Top 3.

The front management of the Cincinnati Reds will undoubtedly be aiming to bolster the team’s pitching staff this offseason, given all the problems the starting rotation faced in 2023. Is Gray a worthy target for the upcoming offseason? Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of trying to get back together with Gray this winter.

The Reds possess the funds necessary to tie Sonny Gray down to a long-term deal.After the Minnesota Twins’ ALDS loss, Sonny Gray said to reporters, “For me, money is not the deciding factor.” It has never been.” Bob Castellini’s ears suddenly became alert, is it correct?

The Cincinnati Reds have never disguised their restrictive stance on free agency. And the one time Castellini took out his checkbook in the off-season, the Reds had $84 million spent in Mike Moustakas and Shogo Akiyama. Ouch!

Gray won’t play for free, even though he might accept a discount to find a setting he enjoys. Money, however, shouldn’t be the deciding factor in whether or if Gray and the Reds decide to work together this offseason.

Cincinnati has only committed the $3 million that it owes Hunter Greene to the 2024 campaign. Apart from that, the Reds may have to pay roughly $18.6 million to its eight players who qualify for arbitration next season, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

The three-year, $63 million contract that Chris Bassitt signed with the Toronto Blue Jays last year would be a wise figure to consider. Despite the fact that $20 million annually may seem high, the Cincinnati Reds have very little money set up for payroll over the following three seasons.