In First Move of Off Season, Twins Pick Up Sonny Gray's Option

The Minnesota Twins have made their first move of the offseason, one that should come as a surprise to no one, by picking up an option on Sonny Gray’s 2023 contract for $12.5 million. Unless a long-term deal is reached before then, Gray will become a free agent at the end of 2023 season. Jon Heyman of the New York Post first reported the scoop. If the Twins do not plan on signing any free agent starters (which should not - and will not - be the case), Gray will almost certainly be considered for the top slot of the rotation for 2023. 

There was little thought within stories from the front office or the Twins community at large that the Twins would part ways with the pitcher. Gray made 24 starts over the 2022 season, pitching just shy of 120 innings. His 3.08 ERA and 1.13 WHIP were the best since 2019. Although his strikeout rate was down, Gray managed to keep his walks to the minimum and generally got out of a number of dangerous jams this season that made him one of the more reliable pitchers on the mound. Of his 24 attempts, Gray posted nine quality starts, defined as six completed innings with three or less runs. He remains particularly strong against left-handed batters, holding them to a .202 BA this season. 

The question remains whether the Twins may attempt a long-term extension with the pitcher or keep his option open as a trade deadline candidate if the season runs away from the Twins as it did in 2021. Gray’s 119 2/3 innings was the lowest since 2017 in Oakland, dealing with multiple IL stints this season due to lower back soreness. However, the Twins new athletic trainer Nick Paparesta worked with Gray during his time in Oakland. Questions about injuries and recoveries will hang over Gray as much as the entire rotation and thus may play a role in whether such extensions are offered. 

The Minnesota Twins traded for Gray right after the end of Major League Baseball’s lockout on the players during negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement, giving away their 2021 first-round draft pick Chase Petty to the Cincinnati Reds. Between his strong stuff and age, Gray has formed something of a veteran leader among a pitching staff to likely be dependent on rookies. Although no one could expect otherwise, Twins fans should welcome another year of the ace on the mound.

With the World Series now complete, impending free agents are now free agents. Gray is one of several Twins players with a club option for 2023. It is certain that the Twins will not pick up Miguel Sano's option for 2023. And Carlos Correa will formally announce his decision to opt-out of his contract soon too. 

The news became official on Monday when the Twins announced that Gray's option was picked up. Also, the Twins declined the options on Chris Archer, Dylan Bundy and Miguel Sano.