Rocco Baldelli is out in Minnesota as the Twins chase a new voice amid payroll constraints and a shifting ownership picture. The club trimmed payroll, purged depth at the trade deadline, and faces an unclear path to 2026, leaving fantasy managers to weigh how organizational upheaval could shape lineup decisions and fantasy upside next season.

The decision lands as Falvey stays at the top while ownership debates debt, limited partners, and a potential return to aggressive spend or continued budget discipline. Baldelli exits amid a postseason drought and a roster built through aggressive trades, prompting questions about development, depth, and how the Twins will chase wins in 2026.

Gray closed his Cardinals tenure with six innings of three runs (two earned), fanning seven, in a loss that eliminated St. Louis from playoff contention. His 4.28 ERA on 180⅔ innings undersells his value, as FIP (3.39) and xERA (3.88) flag a better underlying performance, aided by the NL’s lowest walk rate among starters. At 36, he remains an above-average arm and a prime rental asset for contenders with payroll flexibility.

The Cardinals’ leadership transition—Bloom replacing Mozeliak—complicates the offseason, especially with Arenado’s future looming atop the list. His hefty 2026 price tag ($40M total with a $5M buyout) makes a unilateral return unlikely for many buyers, so Gray’s name will be centerpiece in the market. The piece ranks 30 clubs by need, likelihood to trade, and Gray’s acceptance odds, placing Atlanta as the closest fit to home and a premier trade target.

From a fantasy lens, stewardship of destination impacts value: park factors, lineup support, and run environment will swing Gray’s ceiling. Top fits include the Dodgers, Mets, Padres, and Braves, with Atlanta highlighted as the most probable destination. With Bloom at the helm and a clear appetite for quick fixes, Gray’s next landing—whether in STL or elsewhere—will shape rotations and rental values across leagues.

The Giants host the Cardinals in Oracle Park as JT Brubaker makes his first start with SF, facing Sonny Gray who owns strong strikeout numbers. Brubaker carries a 3.65 ERA and 3.15 FIP with 18 K across 24.2 IP this split; Gray sits at 4.33 with 3.38 FIP and 194 K through 174.2 IP. With 77-81 SF and 78-80 STL, this late-season tilt could swing bullpen usage and fantasy upside in a park that minimizes homers.

Expect a pitching-focused night where Brubaker’s debut seizes attention and Gray provides a steadier floor. In DFS, Gray is the safer bet; Brubaker offers tournament upside if his command cooperates and he keeps the ball down in Oracle Park.