Dodgers Free Agent Target Signs With NL Central Squad

Another starting pitcher off the market.

The Dodgers have missed out on another starting pitching target this offseason. Veteran right-hander Sonny Gray is heading to the St. Louis Cardinals on a three-year deal worth $75 million. 

Sonny Gray and the Cardinals are expected to finalize a deal today, via league sources

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 27, 2023

MLB insider Jon Heyman had the news first and insider Ken Rosenthal was the first with the contract details. 

Free-agent RHP Sonny Gray finalizing three-year, $75M contract with Cardinals, source tells @TheAthletic. First with expected agreement: @JonHeyman.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 27, 2023

Gray spent the last two seasons with the Minnesota Twins but now heads back to the NL Central. He spent a few years with the Cincinnati Reds before going to Minnesota.

He put together a very nice 2023 season, posting an ERA of 2.79 over 32 starts and a WHIP of 1.15. Gray also added 183 strikeouts over 184 innings of work.

He came in second in the Cy Young Award voting this season, losing out to Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees. His strong campaign earned him a nice payday from St. Louis, and he will now head up their rotation.

The Dodgers will have to look elsewhere for starting pitching help, and it seems that they are in the sweepstakes for the biggest targets on the market. LA fans may need to be patient while things work themselves out this offseason.

This is the second top-tier pitcher to sign this offseason, following Aaron Nola's decision to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. Hopefully, this means that the hot stove is warming up and signings can start to happen!