The St. Louis Cardinals have officially completed a trade sending starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the New York Mets in exchange for two of the Mets’ top prospects: right-hander Nolan McLean and outfielder Drew Gilbert.
Trade Details:
- Cardinals Receive:
- Nolan McLean (Right-handed pitcher, Mets’ 5th-ranked prospect)
- Drew Gilbert (Outfielder, Mets’ 11th-ranked prospect)
- Mets Receive:
- Sonny Gray (Starting pitcher)
Gray, a three-time All-Star, has been a reliable starter for the Cardinals, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.84 ERA in 38 games during the 2024 season. He was in the second year of his three-year, $75 million contract, with a club option for 2027. His departure marks a significant move for the Cardinals as they continue their rebuild, focusing on adding young talent to their farm system.
In return, the Cardinals received two promising prospects. McLean, 23, is a right-handed pitcher who reached AA in 2024, posting a 3.78 ERA across 25 starts. Gilbert, 22, is an outfielder who reached AAA in 2024 and could make his MLB debut as early as this season. He hit .205 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs in the minors last year.
This trade provides the Mets with a top-of-the-rotation starter to bolster their pitching staff, especially with injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. At the same time, the Cardinals gain two high-potential prospects that will help strengthen their roster for the future.
Both teams benefit from this trade—New York adds a veteran pitcher while St. Louis continues to rebuild with young, talented players.
