One of Orioles Top Targets Reportedly Signs with St. Louis Cardinals

One of the Baltimore Orioles' top free agent targets reportedly signed with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kade Kistner | Nov 27, 2023

One of Orioles Top Targets Reportedly Signs with St. Louis Cardinals /

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Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles' search for a front line starter just got a little bit harder on Monday.

According to reports from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, one of the Orioles' top targets signed a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

According to Rosenthal, Sonny Gray finalized his deal with the Cardinals. Gray, who just turned 34, will be signing his first free agent deal in his career, a bit shocking when considering his age and tenure in the league.

Gray is signing a three-year, $75 million contract and will be joining Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn in the new-look Cardinals rotation. Gray had an incredible 2023 MLB season where he made his third All-Star game and was the runner-up in the AL Cy Young race.

With Gray off the board it makes it harder for Baltimore to come through on their goal of signing as front line starter. Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jordan Montgomery remain on the board and in play.

Further down the list, Michael Wacha, Marcus Stroman and Lucas Giolito remain available to sign as well.

The Orioles need to make a couple of impact moves when it comes to their pitching staff if they hope to maintain the momentum built off of their 101-win season. Additionally, the AL East is only getting stronger this winter and Baltimore will need to make additions of they hope to counter the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox' moves.

Gray could have been a fantastic addition to the rotation, but at $25 million a year for a 34-year-old, it seems the Orioles may have been wise to pass on this one.

Published Nov 27, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.