Gray posted a 13-8 record with a 4.45 ERA and 179 Ks in 2025, making him a prime offseason target for a rotation that needs veteran stability. His fit with Cardinals’ new direction is central to the Giants’ rumored pursuit and the broader NL rotation market.

Gray’s two-start slate is positioned as a potential swing for STL’s late-season push. A strong pair of outings could restore fantasy intrigue as a back-end rotation option; struggles would heighten risk and bullpen reliance.

Gray has given up 10 HR over his last eight starts, elevating homer risk in today’s props and making Rooker an attractive target. While Gray is generally solid, this recent HR surge creates a favorable mismatch for RH power and boosts the value of Rooker and other RH sluggers in the prop market.

Gray offers a home-friendly profile with a 3.23 FIP and a 6.00 K/BB, along with a solid home ERA. Facing Oakland in a pitcher-friendly park, he’s a high-floor option on a slate where many pitchers are steaming toward upside but lack depth. His ability to induce weak contact and keep walks down makes him a strong anchor for cash-game builds and a key tournament leverage play when combined with cheap bats.

Gray is positioned as the premier cash-game arm on the slate, thanks to elite strikeout potential and a favorable matchup against Oakland. His 30.8% CSW and consistent K per inning pace give him a strong upside, making him a lock in most cash lineups as a safe allocation with room for upside in GPPs.