Sonny Gray Trade Official
After several days of negotiations, the New York Yankees have officially traded Sonny Gray to the Cincinnati Reds, which also saw the pitcher reach a contract extension with Cincinnati, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. The trade was finalized today and ultimately became a three-team deal, adding the Seattle Mariners to the mix as the third team involved.
The Yankees initially received Reds second base prospect, Shed Long and the 36th pick in the 2019 draft in exchange for Gray and left-handed pitcher, Reiver Sanmartin per Jon Heyman of Fancred. New York would then proceed to flip Long to the Mariners for center field prospect, Josh Stowers, who was the 54th pick in the MLB Draft last June.
As for Gray, he would sign a three-year contract extension with the Reds on top of the $7.5 million he is set to make this season. The extended deal goes from 2020-2022 with a fourth-year club option, where Gray could receive $12 million. His salary could also grow each season based off performance that includes up to $500K in incentives.
Braves Searching for Corner Outfielder
Heyman also tweeted about the Atlanta Braves solid positioning to fill their need at corner outfielder due to the slow-moving market this offseason. They have allegedly checked in with the Dodgers about a potential Joc Pederson trade, and also have the option of bringing back All-Star right fielder, Nick Markakis.
Free agent outfielders, Adam Jones, Carlos Gonzalez, and Gerardo Parra are all still available, as well.
Rangers Interested in Buchholz
According to Heyman, the Texas Rangers have been in contact with veteran starting pitcher, Clay Buchholz. While there have been talks between the two sides, Heyman says it is still unknown whether they are close to any deal yet.
In his age 34 season, the right-hander started 16 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks, going 7-2 with an impressive 2.01 ERA and 3.0 WAR. Coming off a solid season, Buchholz looks to help solidify the Rangers strong pitching depth. He was also apart of the starting rotation that helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series back in 2013.
Farquhar Makes Comeback
Heyman also notes, the Yankees have signed relief pitcher, Danny Farquhar to a minor league deal. Farquhar spent last season with the Chicago White Sox, where he suffered a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in April in the dugout following an appearance and was saved by great emergency response.
Less than a year later, he is now ready to play again and will be in spring training with the Yankees to try and crack the major league roster for a spot in an already crowded bullpen.
