New York
“I think we have a group of guys that can hold their own with anybody in this division. I really do,” president of baseball operations Dick Williams said on Monday after finalizing a trade with the New York Yankees for Gray. I know our guys feel a sense of confidence.”
Gray’s unsuccessful stretch in New York ended when the Yankees traded the pitcher after the 29-year-old right-hander agreed to a contract with the Reds that added $30.5 million from 2020-22 and includes a 2023 club option.
New York received infield prospect Shed Long and a high pick in this year’s amateur draft, then flipped Long to Seattle for 21-year-old outfielder Josh Stowers. The Yankees sent the Reds left-hander Reiver Sanmartin.
Derek Johnson, the new Reds pitching coach for manager David Bell, was Vanderbilt’s pitching coach when Gray played for the Commodores from 2009-12. Johnson lives in Nashville, Tenn., Gray’s offseason home, and they keep in touch.
“It’s a guy who’s really talented and a guy who I think’s right in the middle of his prime and also a hungry guy,” Johnson said. “I think that’s the thing that we’re all counting on. I know what kind of competitor Sonny is and I know that last year didn’t sit well with him at all and he’s going to be out to try to prove something not only to other people but obviously to himself, as well.”
After finishing last in the NL Central at 67-95, the Reds acquired Roark from Washington and Wood from the Los Angeles Dodgers, joining a rotation that includes Anthony DeSclafani and Luis Castillo.
“It’s the best rotation we’ve had in five years,” general manager Nick Krall said. “It makes you feel better about where you are.”
Cincinnati and New York agreed to a deal on Friday, pending a window for Gray to reach a long-term deal. Gray and the Yankees settled on a $7.5 million, one-year contract on Jan. 11 that avoided salary arbitration. He had been eligible for free agency after this season, and his new deal raises his guarantee to $38 million over four seasons.
Flores Finalizes Ariz. Contract
Phoenix
Flores gets a $3.75 million salary this year as part of the deal, which includes a $6 million team option for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout. Flores can earn performance bonuses based on plate appearances.
He became a free agent last month when the New York Mets didn’t offer a 2019 contract.
Reddick Spins Wedding Web
Jekyll Island, Ga.
KTRK-TV reports Reddick married Georgette “Jett” Elkins at the Jekyll Island Club Resort on Saturday during a Spider-Man-themed wedding.
Famous for wearing a Spider-Man shirt under his baseball jersey, Reddick wore a Spider-Man vest under his suit.
The webslinger’s colors and logo were also featured on the couple’s wedding cake.
The Houston Chronicle reports that Reddick is also an avid professional wrestling fan, so he and Elkins donned custom wrestling belts on their big day and made a wrestling-themed entrance to their reception.
The 31-year-old outfielder is from Savannah, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Jekyll Island.
