Sonny Gray's Cardinals exit shouldn't be seen as certainty

Lynn Worthy | Post-Dispatch

Sports columnist

Sure, there’s fairly straightforward reasoning that lends itself to the belief that Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray could be more receptive to a trade this offseason than last.

During a recent Fox broadcast of a Cardinals game against the New York Yankees, the topic of Gray’s future became fodder for speculation with baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal raising the potential of Gray changing teams this winter.

The veteran right-hander will have the right to control his future via a no-trade clause in his contract, but the Cardinals still have a large say in the proceedings. Moving on from Gray this winter may suit Gray more than it does the club.

After all, the Cardinals appear likely to spend at least another season laying the foundation