I'm not sure Sonny Gray would be willing to waive his NTC to come play in Sacramento but if he were... The Cardinals send $15 MM in 2026 cash to pay down Gray's salary and will pay half of the buy-out IF the A's trigger it. If Gray stays on the '27 roster or he voids his end of the option to become a FA then St. Louis keeps the cash. I don't know what they'd want in return so I'll offer up an athletic outfielder but am open to input from Card-centric people. The A's upgrade their rotation with their old Ace for a season.

I really don't believe Sonny would agree to the A's. He MIGHT consider the Giants, if you're looking for a Bay Area destination, but the A's? I don't think so.