MLB trade rumors: Yankees’ Sonny Gray to Reds?

The Cincinnati Reds could emerge as the trade landing spot for Yankees righty Sonny Gray.

The Yankees may have found the perfect suitor for Sonny Gray.

As the GM Meetings wrapped up, big names dominated the conversations and rumors. One name that doesn’t fit that bill any longer (though he once did): Gray.

While Yankees general manager Brian Cashman didn’t hold back in his desire to deal away Gray after a disappointing 2018 (and less-than-stellar 2017 following a midseason blockbuster trade), it’s tough to predict the trade fit for the former top-of-the-rotation arm.

But a potential Gray trade partner has arrived in the Cincinnati Reds. Here’s the latest on the connection, per Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.

Sonny Gray will be dealt, and the Yankees believe “Sonny Gray will go back to being himself” with 29 other teams. The Reds make sense, as do others. He is healthy, just not a fit for the Yankees …

The logic behind the Reds connection?

It was interesting to see respected Derek Johnson leave the Brewers for the Reds, making it three NL Central teams for him; he previously worked for the Cubs following an excellent career as Vanderbilt’s pitching coach. Johnson’s presence could spark Reds interest in Sonny Gray, who is available and will be dealt from the Yankees …

Gray, 29, is set to hit arbitration this winter and can become a free agent after the 2019 season.

The former Athletics star owns a 3.66 ERA across 900.2 career innings in the majors. Part of the reason why teams will look to take him off New York’s hands: Outside of the Bronx, Gray posted a 3.17 ERA.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.