In a significant trade announcement, the Boston Red Sox have acquired veteran right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals will cover $20 million of the remaining money owed to Gray, who is entering the last guaranteed season of his three-year, $75 million contract. This trade solidifies Boston’s commitment to winning, as they continue to build a competitive roster.
Boston is sending right-hander Richard Fitts and lefty Brandon Clarke to St. Louis as part of the deal, with cash considerations included to facilitate the transaction. Gray’s contract is being restructured to pay him a $31 million salary for the upcoming season, along with a $10 million buyout on a mutual option for 2026. This restructuring emphasizes that Gray will serve as a one-year rental for the Red Sox, which is particularly noteworthy considering the rarity of mutual options being exercised in recent MLB history.
The trade comes after Gray expressed a desire to compete following the Cardinals’ missed playoff opportunities. After Franklin showed interest in rebuilding over a few seasons, Gray was open to trade scenarios and recognized that his ambitions were not aligned with the Cardinals’ current trajectory. He remarked on his initial expectations of winning during his signing but understood the need for a change as the team pivots toward player development.
With this acquisition, Gray joins a Red Sox pitching rotation that includes Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet and promising young talent Roman Anthony. The Red Sox secured a Wild Card spot in the American League last season, although they fell short against the Yankees. With Gray’s addition, the team is clearly focused on enhancing its chances for postseason success in the upcoming season.
Since joining St. Louis, Gray has maintained a solid track record. In 2025, he pitched 180 2/3 innings with a 4.28 ERA, and throughout his career, he has proven to be a durable workhorse, averaging 29 starts per season since 2019. Despite not wholly duplicating the excellence he exhibited when he was a Cy Young runner-up with Minnesota, he has still delivered strong strikeout rates and ground ball percentages during his stint with the Cardinals.
Gray’s veteran experience will provide depth to Boston’s rotation, which features a mix of established pitchers and upcoming talents. As manager Alex Cora sorts out the remaining rotation spots, Boston finds itself well-positioned to navigate injuries and explore further enhancements to the team’s pitching staff.
With this strategic move, the Red Sox reinforce their determination to compete at a high level, creating optimism for fans as they embark on the new season. Gray’s leadership and proficiency on the mound could be instrumental as Boston aims for a successful run in 2026 and beyond.