Dodgers Rumors: 2 NL Contenders Emerge as Serious Contenders for Top Starting Pitcher

With the Dodgers in desperate need of starting pitching, a number of names will invariably be thrown around in relation to the club.

One of those is veteran righty Sonny Gray. Last year with the Twins, the 34-year-old went 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA. This strong performance led to an All-Star appearance.

He's consistently been a player many contenders have targeted over the years at various points. With plenty of experience and above-average stuff, he could in theory be a guy the Dodgers will look at.

According to recent reports, however, two other NL clubs look primed to snag Gray:

The Braves are one of the top suitors for free agent Sonny Gray, sources say. Atlanta had spoken with Aaron Nola’s camp before Nola returned to the Phillies. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 19, 2023

According to veteran reporter Jon Morosi, the Braves have a strong interest in Gray. This makes sense in the wake of Aaron Nola re-signing with the Phillies. Additionally, Jon Soroko was dealt earlier in the week to the White Sox in the Aaron Bummer deal.

There was also this tidbit from USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale:

"The Cardinals, the favorites to sign free-agent pitcher Sonny Gray, badly need experienced starters to fill innings. They are without five pitchers who made 82 of their 162 starts this past season."

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today

St. Louis had a disastrous 2023 campaign in which the Cardinals finished 71-91 -- dead last in the NL Central. The obvious need to retool is real, and landing Gray would in theory be a nice start in replenishing pitching depth.

As for the Dodgers, options will certainly present themselves as the offseason progresses. The rumors of interest in Chicago White Sox hurler Dylan Cease make sense considering Cease's age, the Dodgers' need for an elite arm, and the rebuild Chicago is likely to embark on.

The status of Clayton Kershaw is up in the air. Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are both rehabbing from arm injuries. The same can be said for Walker Buehler. Additionally, reports indicate that it's unlikely Julio Urias will pitch in Los Angeles.

As such, the Dodgers have plenty of work to do!