Red Sox Acquire Sonny Gray in Big-Name Trade
Big news in Major League Baseball today as the Boston Red Sox have officially acquired veteran right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. Gray, 36, is set to return to the American League, bringing a wealth of experience to Boston’s rotation. He joins the Red Sox as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for another postseason push, following their Wild Card appearance in 2025.
Gray, who is heading into the final year of a three-year, $75 million contract, will see his contract restructured for 2026. Reports indicate he will earn a $31 million salary with a $10 million mutual option for 2027. This move comes after Gray waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal, signaling his desire to compete for a championship with a team ready to contend.
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Last season with St. Louis, Gray appeared in 32 games, compiling a 14-8 record with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.234 WHIP over 180.2 innings. A three-time All-Star, he has previously played for the Minnesota Twins, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Oakland Athletics, bringing a veteran presence and a proven track record to Boston. Gray’s ability to consistently pitch deep into games has made him a reliable starter, and he will now slot into a rotation alongside Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello.
The trade also involved the Red Sox sending right-hander Richard Fitts and lefty Brandon Clarke to the Cardinals, with cash considerations included to balance Gray’s contract. The Cardinals are reportedly covering a significant portion of Gray’s remaining salary, making this a calculated move for both clubs. Boston’s willingness to invest in Gray reflects their “win-now” mentality, contrasting with St. Louis’ continued rebuilding efforts.
Manager Alex Cora now has a rotation that blends youth and experience. Beyond Gray, Crochet, and Bello, Boston has a deep pool of starting pitchers including Patrick Sandoval, Kutter Crawford, and Payton Tolle, giving the team flexibility as they navigate the season. Gray’s addition is expected to solidify the top three spots and provide veteran leadership for a team aiming to make a deep postseason run.
For Gray, this trade represents an opportunity to chase another World Series with a competitive team, something he openly expressed was important to him after St. Louis missed the playoffs last season. Fans can expect Gray to bring intensity, innings-eating capability, and veteran poise to Fenway Park, making him a key component of Boston’s championship aspirations in 2026.
This move highlights how teams are valuing experienced pitching in a competitive market, with the Red Sox taking a significant step to bolster their rotation while signaling their intent to remain strong contenders in the American League.
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