The Atlanta Braves’ season hasn’t gone as planned, but they’re starting to show signs of life while hinting at a return to contender status next year.

Winners of nine of their last 11, the Braves have seen resurgences on offense from key players like Michael Harris II and Matt Olson. But there could still be some roster tweaks needed to compete in a loaded National League East next season.

Could that mean the Braves are looking for one more veteran starting pitcher this offseason?

On Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic floated the idea of the Braves acquiring St. Louis Cardinals starter and three-time All-Star Sonny Gray in an offseason trade.

With the Cardinals entering a mini-rebuild and Gray heading into the final guaranteed year of his contract, Rosenthal read into some recent comments from the right-hander that suggested he could be amenable to a swap.

“To this point, St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray has been unwilling to waive his no-trade clause. But this offseason, his stance might change,” Rosenthal wrote. “Gray turns 36 in November and still feels he can be productive. He said he wants one more crack at winning, one more chance to pitch in the postseason.”

“If Gray allows the Cardinals to shop him, his no-trade protection would give him the ability to effectively choose his next club. One team to watch: the Atlanta Braves, who play even closer to Gray’s Nashville home than the Cardinals.”

Gray has pitched to a 4.30 ERA in 25 starts this season, striking out an impressive 155 batters in 140 innings. He finished runner-up in American League Cy Young voting in 2023, the year before signing a three-year, $75 million deal with the Cardinals.

The Braves would likely have to assume the responsibility for most, if not all of Gray’s $35 million salary next year to facilitate a deal. But the first step would be Gray making it clear that he’s open to the idea of pitching in Atlanta.

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