Both the A's and Giants reportedly had interest in acquiring Yankees starting pitcher Sonny Gray this offseason, but it does not appear he'll be making a return to the Bay Area.
Per Fancred's Jon Heyman, the Yankees and Reds are engaged in trade discussions that would send Gray to Cincinnati in exchange for infield prospect Shed Long and a draft pick.
Yankees, Reds are finalizing the Sonny Gray trade. infield prospect Shed Long and a draft pick are expected to go to NY, and possibly a 3rd lesser piece. Long is an excellent hitter, fair defender. Just need to cross t's, dot i's (ie medicals, 40-man considerations, etc.)— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2019
Gray would have made sense for both Bay Area teams, as the A's and Giants could both use an influx of quality starting pitching. He went 11-9 with a 4.90 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 130.1 innings for New York last season, but Gray was far better on the road than he was at home.
Considering Oakland Coliseum and Oracle Park are far more pitcher-friendly than Yankee Stadium, a bounceback season in the Bay Area certainly could have been possible. Alas, it appears Gray could be making his home starts at Great American Ball Park this upcoming season, which may just be the most hitter-friendly park in the entire league.
