Sonny Gray Trade Grades: Who Won — Red Sox or Cardinals?

The Boston Red Sox just made a bold move for 2026, grabbing veteran righty Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. In return, Boston shipped off lefty prospect Brandon Clarke and righty starter Richard Fitts to St. Louis.

This trade shows Boston’s real push for a deeper playoff run. The Cardinals, meanwhile, look like they’re betting on youth and a fresh start. Boston also gets $20 million in the deal to help with Gray’s contract, which honestly makes this a win on both the field and the books.

Sonny Gray Joins Boston’s Rotation

Gray should slot right into the No. 2 spot behind ace Garrett Crochet. That gives Boston a legit one-two punch at the top of their rotation.

He’s 36 now, but Gray’s experience and durability make him exactly the kind of arm you want for a playoff push. Last year with the Cardinals, he went 14–8 with a 4.28 ERA and 201 strikeouts over 180 2/3 innings.

Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll see a 3.39 FIP—so he pitched better than his ERA lets on. That’s usually a good sign, especially for a guy switching teams and leagues.

A Proven Track Record

Gray’s resume? It’s stacked. He’s a three-time All-Star and finished as the AL Cy Young runner-up in 2023.

He’s carried a 3.58 ERA through his career, which is nothing to sneeze at in today’s game. Beyond stats, Boston gets a steady leader who’s been through the playoff grind and can keep his cool when it matters.

The Financial Side of the Deal

Boston’s not just getting a top-tier starter—they’re getting some serious financial help too. The Cardinals are sending over $20 million to help with the $35 million Gray’s owed in 2026.

There’s also a $30 million mutual option for 2027. That gives both teams some breathing room for the future.

Honestly, the money part of this deal makes it even sweeter for Boston. They kept their best prospects and still landed a proven arm.

Trade Grades: Boston Earns High Marks

Most analysts seem pretty happy with Boston’s front office here. The Red Sox managed to pay for experience without gutting their farm system.

They got a B+ for the move, which feels about right. They filled a big need and kept their options open for the next few seasons.

Cardinals Shift Focus to Youth

For St. Louis, this trade is all about getting younger after missing the playoffs three straight years. Clarke and Fitts are both arms with real upside.

Prospects with Potential

So what exactly are the Cardinals getting?

• Brandon Clarke: He’s a lefty who can hit 100 mph and has a nasty slider. Still raw, but if he sharpens his command, he could be a real weapon.
• Richard Fitts: A righty with a mid-90s fastball and the stamina to go deep in games. Sure, he’s been inconsistent, but there’s a ceiling there worth chasing.

St. Louis got a B– for the deal. Some folks think they should’ve pushed for a top-100 prospect, and honestly, it’s a fair question. Did they get enough for Gray?

Looking Ahead: Impact on the 2026 Season

For Boston, Gray might be the missing piece. Pair him with Crochet and the rest of the rotation, and suddenly the Red Sox look ready to handle the grind and make noise in October.

If Gray’s underlying numbers turn into better results, he could end up being the guy who swings a tight playoff series. Time will tell, but it’s easy to see why Boston made this move.

The Cardinals’ Rebuilding Path

St. Louis will keep a close eye on Clarke and Fitts. They’re hoping at least one of those guys turns into a front-line starter.

With Gray’s big contract finally gone, the team suddenly has more money to spend on player development. Maybe this is the start of a smarter, more sustainable way to build the roster, but honestly, only time will tell.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sonny Gray Trade Grades: Did Red Sox or Cardinals Win the Deal?