Career Timeline of Sonny Gray: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Sonny Gray built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sonny Gray is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in MLB. Throughout his career, he has pitched for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Minnesota Twins.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Led team to State Tournament

In 2007, as a junior, Gray led his team to the State Tournament with an 11–2 win–loss record and a 0.95 earned run average (ERA). This earned him a nod for the AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic, and a nomination for National Player of the Year.

2008: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs

In 2008, Gray was drafted in the 27th round by the Chicago Cubs but did not sign with the team.

2010: Ace of Vanderbilt's Pitching Staff

In 2010, Gray went 10–5 with a 3.48 ERA, and led the team in strikeouts (113). He was also designated as the ace of Vanderbilt's pitching staff.

2011: Successful Junior Year

In 2011, Gray had a successful junior year, going 12–4 with a 2.43 ERA and 132 strikeouts. He also helped Vanderbilt earn their first-ever College World Series berth.

2011: Drafted by the Athletics

In 2011, Gray was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the MLB draft. He also played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

2011: Signed with Oakland Athletics

In 2011, Gray was selected 18th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the MLB draft and signed with Oakland for a $1.54 million signing bonus.

July 10, 2013: Called Up to MLB

On July 10, 2013, Gray was called up to MLB and made his first major league appearance for the Oakland Athletics against the Pittsburgh Pirates, pitching two innings with three strikeouts and allowing a single hit.

2013: MLB Debut

In 2013, Gray made his MLB debut.

March 31, 2014: First Opening Day Start

On March 31, 2014, Gray made his first career Opening Day start against the Cleveland Indians.

April 6, 2015: Second Opening Day Start

On April 6, 2015, Gray made his second straight Opening Day start for the Oakland Athletics against the Texas Rangers. He pitched eight innings and allowed only one hit.

July 31, 2017: Traded to New York Yankees

On July 31, 2017, Gray was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the New York Yankees.

January 21, 2019: Traded to Cincinnati Reds

On January 21, 2019, Gray was traded by the Yankees to the Cincinnati Reds and signed a three-year contract extension.

March 13, 2022: Traded to Minnesota Twins

On March 13, 2022, Gray was traded by the Reds to the Minnesota Twins.

November 27, 2023: Signed with St. Louis Cardinals

On November 27, 2023, Gray signed a three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals for $75 million.

April 9, 2024: Cardinals Debut

On April 9, 2024, Gray made his debut for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching five scoreless innings and picking up the win.

June 27, 2025: Pitched a Maddux

On June 27, 2025, Gray pitched a Maddux, throwing only 89 pitches in a complete-game shutout versus the Cleveland Guardians, with 11 strikeouts, no walks, and only 1 hit allowed.