The Boston Red Sox just made a pretty bold offseason move. They picked up veteran pitcher Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals, clearly hoping to shore up their starting rotation for next season.
To get Gray, Boston sent right-hander Richard Fitts and left-handed prospect Brandon Clarke to the Cardinals. St. Louis will also cover $20 million of Gray’s 2026 salary. That’s a lot, but it shows Boston’s intent—they want to build on last year’s playoff run and go even further.
Red Sox Target Reliability in Rotation
Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, hasn’t hidden what he wants this winter: more pitching depth. Garrett Crochet leads the staff, but adding Gray gives them another reliable, proven arm.
Gray’s the kind of guy who can take the ball every fifth day and give you a real chance. That’s not something you can take for granted in today’s game.
What Sonny Gray Brings to Boston
Gray, now 36 years old, brings 13 seasons of big-league experience. In 2025, he went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA, kept his strikeout-to-walk numbers strong, and didn’t give up much hard contact—exactly what Breslow said Boston needed.
He’s racked up 125 wins, 102 losses, and a 3.58 ERA over his career. Gray can pitch deep into games and usually keeps things under control, which should help keep the bullpen from burning out over a long season.
Breaking Down the Trade Details
This wasn’t a simple player-for-player deal. The Cardinals will pay $20 million of Gray’s salary next season, so Boston gets some payroll relief. Gray’s contract also got a tweak:
- Guaranteed $31 million for 2026
- $30 million mutual option for 2027
- $10 million buyout if either side walks away from the option
What Boston Gave Up
The Sox parted with Fitts, who posted a 5.00 ERA in his rookie year. He’s got some upside but still battles command issues and durability.
Brandon Clarke is just 22 and was ranked Boston’s No. 5 prospect, but he hasn’t pitched above Class A. Both could get a real shot in St. Louis down the line.
Impact on the Red Sox’s 2026 Season Outlook
Boston finished 89-73 in 2025, snapping a playoff drought that dated to 2021. The offense looked lively, but the rotation behind Crochet was thin, and that came back to bite them in October.
Now, Gray’s in the mix. He gives the Sox an experienced arm who can go up against some of the league’s toughest hitters.
Why This Move Matters
Having a veteran like Gray in the rotation can really change the vibe. He’s got postseason experience, he’s competitive, and he’s not afraid to set the tone in the clubhouse.
It’s the kind of presence younger pitchers notice, and it can help steady the whole staff.
The Cardinals’ Perspective
St. Louis decided to move Gray as part of their ongoing retooling after missing the playoffs in 2025. By bringing in Fitts and Clarke, they’re betting on young pitching and easing some of their payroll strain.
Looking Ahead for St. Louis
They’ve got top prospects coming up, so they’re hoping younger, cheaper arms will help them get back in the mix. Covering a chunk of Gray’s salary also frees up money to go after other needs soon.
Final Thoughts
The trade really shows how these two franchises are headed in totally different directions. Boston’s pushing hard to win right now. St. Louis, on the other hand, seems more focused on rebuilding for the future.
Bringing Sonny Gray to Boston isn’t just a quick fix—it’s a bold message. The Sox know they had a hole in their rotation, and they’re not messing around.
If Gray pitches like he usually does—and let’s be honest, his track record’s solid—Boston’s rotation could end up as one of the most balanced in the American League. Sox fans have reason to believe this team isn’t just aiming for the playoffs; they’re building something that could actually go the distance.
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Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox add Sonny Gray to rotation in trade, while Cardinals pick up pair of young pitchers
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