Milwaukee Brewers: What are the latest Sonny Gray rumors?

The New York Yankees have spent the last few days heavily involved in trade talks for Sonny Gray.  Could Gray end up with the Milwaukee Brewers or is there another front runner?

There have been several permutations of trades involving Sonny Gray in recent days. From deals to the Cincinnati Reds for prospects and draft picks to three-team trades, there have been a ton of rumors and very little facts. The Milwaukee Brewers were listed as a possible destination, and it’s believed they’re engaged, but it’s unclear if it’s just a phone call or if they’re actually working on a trade.Let’s try to parse through the current news, and see which way the Brewers are leaning…

Which teams are still involved?

In addition to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants have been the teams most frequently linked to Gray.

Is there a front runner?

Early on Friday it was rumored that the Reds were progressing on a deal. Later in the day, the reports were refuted with other teams also linked.

What’s the rumored Reds trade package?

The names that were reported earlier were prospects Shed Long and Tyler Stephenson, and their competitive balance pick. It’s unclear if the Yankees are asking for both prospects, or deciding between one or the other.

Stephenson was a highly rated catching prospect, but his career appears to have stalled in High-A due to injuries and a lack of development at the plate. Long is a speedy, offense-first second baseman who did better in his second stint in Double-A last year. Both are rated as 50-value prospects by FanGraphs.

Does this look like an overpay?

Two 50-value prospects for one-year of Gray? Yes. That looks like an overpay by the Cincinnati Reds. If that is in fact what the Yankees are asking for and getting in trade talks, the Milwaukee Brewers need to stay away and look elsewhere to upgrade their staff. It’s also odd that a rebuilding team like the Reds would part with two real prospects in exchange for a season of Gray.

The Milwaukee Brewers need to add an ace if they add to their starting staff. Gray doesn’t represent enough of an improvement over their current options to trade for right now, especially at the prices the Yankees are commanding. Two real prospects for Gray doesn’t make sense for a team that’s rebuilding or a team looking to upgrade. The market for Gray appears to be overbaked right now, and the Milwaukee Brewers need to look elsewhere for starting pitching.