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. Previously, he played for the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Minnesota Twins. Gray's career includes notable performances and contributions to each team he's been a part of within Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: State Title Win

In 2006, Sonny Gray guided Smyrna's football team to a 5A State title as quarterback.

2007: Second State Title Win

In 2007, Sonny Gray guided Smyrna's football team to a second consecutive 5A State title as quarterback.

2007: Led Team to State Tournament

In 2007, Sonny Gray led his team to the State Tournament with an 11-2 record and a 0.95 ERA, earning him a nomination for National Player of the Year and a nod for the AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic.

2008: Drafted by Chicago Cubs

In 2008, Sonny Gray was drafted in the 27th round by the Chicago Cubs in the MLB Draft but did not sign with the team, honoring his commitment to Vanderbilt University.

2010: Led Team in Strikeouts

In 2010, Sonny Gray went 10-5 with a 3.48 ERA and led the Vanderbilt team in strikeouts with 113.

2011: Drafted by Oakland Athletics and Signing

In 2011, Sonny Gray was selected 18th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the MLB Draft and signed with them for a $1.54 million signing bonus, forgoing his senior year at Vanderbilt.

2011: Successful Junior Year

In 2011, Sonny Gray's junior year, he went 12-4 with a 2.43 ERA and 132 strikeouts, helping Vanderbilt earn their first-ever College World Series berth.

2011: Drafted by the Athletics

In 2011, the Oakland Athletics selected Sonny Gray in the first round of the MLB draft after he attended Vanderbilt University.

July 10, 2013: MLB Debut with Athletics

On July 10, 2013, Sonny Gray was called up to the major leagues and made his MLB debut for the Oakland Athletics against the Pittsburgh Pirates, pitching two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

2013: MLB Debut

In 2013, Sonny Gray made his Major League Baseball debut.

2013: Selected for Triple-A All-Star Game

In 2013, Sonny Gray started the season with the River Cats, posted a 2.81 ERA, and was selected to start the Triple-A All-Star Game for the Pacific Coast League.

March 31, 2014: Opening Day Start

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

April 6, 2015: Second Opening Day Start

On April 6, 2015, Sonny Gray made his second consecutive Opening Day start for the Oakland Athletics against the Texas Rangers, pitching eight innings and allowing only one hit.

July 31, 2017: Traded to New York Yankees

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

January 21, 2019: Traded to Cincinnati Reds

On January 21, 2019, Sonny Gray was traded by the Yankees to the Cincinnati Reds.

2020: Season with Reds

In 2020, Sonny Gray's record was 5-3 with a 3.70 ERA, leading the NL in wild pitches.

2021: Season with Reds

In 2021, Sonny Gray posted a 7-9 record with a 4.19 ERA and 155 strikeouts over 135+1⁄3 innings.

March 13, 2022: Traded to Minnesota Twins

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

November 6, 2022: Twins Picked Up Team Option

On November 6, 2022, the Twins picked up Sonny Gray's $12 million team option for the 2023 season.

November 27, 2023: Signed with St. Louis Cardinals

On November 27, 2023, Sonny Gray signed a three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals for $75 million, including a club option for 2027.

April 9, 2024: Debut with the Cardinals

On April 9, 2024, Sonny Gray made his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching five scoreless innings and earning the win.