Report: Rockies have no intention of trading Jon Gray
Jon Gray is not going anywhere.
Despite his apparent emergence as a popular trade target, the Colorado Rockies have no intention of trading the right-hander this winter, multiple sources told Thomas Harding of MLB.com.
As a controllable starting pitcher on a reasonable salary - he's projected to earn $5.6 million in arbitration next season, according to MLB Trade Rumors - Gray surfaced as a popular trade target during the GM meetings earlier in November. Several teams, including the San Diego Padres, were said to have interest in him.
But the Rockies' plans have apparently changed in the weeks since, sources told Harding, and Gray now figures to be part of the future in Colorado.
Instead of trading Gray, some within the industry reportedly believe the Rockies might look to trim payroll by trading some of their higher-priced relievers. Jake McGee and Bryan Shaw will both earn over $9 million in 2020, their final guaranteed years under contract; Colorado would consider eating some of that money in order to facilitate a trade, Harding reports.
Gray shook off his disappointing 2018 season with a solid showing for an otherwise disappointing Rockies squad in 2019. The 28-year-old posted a 3.84 ERA, 4.06 FIP, and 1.35 WHIP with 150 strikeouts in 150 innings. He also posted superior splits at home despite pitching in the notoriously unfriendly Coors Field, crafting a 3.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in Colorado's thin air compared to a 4.22 ERA and 1.42 WHIP on the road.
Gray is about to enter his second year of arbitration and won't reach free agency until after the 2021 season.