Sonny Gray Discusses Impending Free Agency

The Twins were eliminated from the playoffs yesterday following their loss at the hands of the Astros in Game 4 of the ALDS. The club’s elimination brings to a close the 2023 campaign for a club that won 87 games, returned to the top of the AL Central standings for the first time since 2020, and won its first playoff series since 2002. Now, Minnesota will turn its attention to the impending offseason, where a handful of the club’s players figure to test free agency.

Chief among that group is veteran right-hander Sonny Gray, who led the club’s rotation with a 2.79 ERA in 184 innings of work with an MLB-best 2.84 FIP. That performance put Gray squarely in contention for the AL Cy Young award in 2023, and sets him up to be one of the league’s top free agents this offseason. Dan Hayes of The Athletic spoke with Gray following last night’s loss regarding his future, and the righty made clear that his top priority as he heads into free agency isn’t necessarily securing the highest guarantee he can.

“I don’t know if this is the right thing to say before going to become a free agent, but I’ll say it because it’s honest. Money is not the ultimate factor for me. Never has been,” Gray said. “Having said that, you want to be valued appropriately.” Gray went on to speaking glowingly of his time with the Twins. He noted that he “loves it” in Minnesota, adding that his time as a Twin has been an “incredible experience” and that “there is something special going on in this clubhouse.”

Though Gray’s interest in remaining with the Twins is evident, that hardly guarantees a return. Hayes goes on to indicate that the club figures to extend a one-year qualifying offer of roughly $20.5MM to Gray, though it’s unclear whether or not the Twins are interested in a longer term deal. While Gray and fellow rotation arm Kenta Maeda are headed for free agency, right-handers Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober are each under long term club control. Meanwhile, righty Chris Paddack is expected to rejoin the rotation next year. That still leaves an open spot in this club’s rotation, though Hayes suggests the club could give a look to righty Louie Varland, who posted a 4.63 ERA in 68 innings of work at the big league level as a swingman for the Twins.

If Gray doesn’t return to Minnesota, he’s sure to find plenty of interest elsewhere. The Cardinals are already known to have interest in Gray’s services, while the Dodgers, Cubs and Reds are among the many other clubs who could potentially be on the lookout for rotation help this offseason. While the interest in Gray figures to be strong, it’s unlikely the veteran hurler will receive a top-of-the-market offer in terms of years, given he’ll be celebrating his 34th birthday next month. Gray’s comments hardly disputed that likelihood, with the righty suggesting that his decision this offseason will decide “where are the next three to four years of our lives” will be. A deal in that range certainly seems feasible on the heels of right-hander Chris Bassitt receiving a three-year, $62MM deal covering his age 34-36 seasons last offseason.