The Philadelphia Phillies had a strong season in 2024, finishing 95-67 and winning a very competitive NL East. They were less successful in the postseason, falling to the New York Mets in four games in the NLDS.
The Phillies appear to have one of the strongest rotations in the league entering the 2025 season, featuring Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Christopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Ranger Suarez. Despite the positional group appearing to be a strength, Suarez will begin the season on the injured list.
Furthermore, Philadelphia could look to move the southpaw as he is set to enter free agency following the season. While they have Taijuan Walker and top-prospect Andrew Painter readily available for depth, they could look to make a move to bolster their rotation.
The Phillies could look to acquire Sonny Gray in a potential move as the St. Louis Cardinals figure to be in the early stages of a rebuild. The three-time All-Star had a strong season in 2024, posting a 13-9 record with a 3.84 ERA and 203 strikeouts in 166.1 innings pitched.
Philadelphia has a middle-of-the-pack farm system, with four top-100 prospects. Meanwhile, St. Louis lacks both infield and outfield upside at the minor league level. The Phillies could look to build a package centered around some of their younger bats, who are several years away from reaching the majors.
The Cardinals have been looking to offload salary, which could prompt them to move the 2023 AL Cy Young runner-up. Gray is owed $25 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026. His deal also includes a club option for $30 million in 2027, with a $5 million buyout. If Philadelphia does decide to move on from Suarez – and Painter is not ready for the majors – they could swing a move for the veteran starter.