The Boston Red Sox made a decisive offseason move on Tuesday, acquiring 36-year-old right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals to strengthen a rotation that needed a reliable veteran presence. The deal gives Boston an accomplished three-time All-Star more than two months before spring training, allowing the team to address a key need early.
As part of the trade, the Cardinals will cover $20 million of Gray’s remaining salary, while Boston sends right-hander Richard Fitts, top left-handed prospect Brandon Clarke, and a player to be named later or cash considerations. The addition of Gray provides the Red Sox with a durable and experienced arm capable of easing the pressure on ace Garrett Crochet.
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow emphasized the importance of acting early this offseason. “We’ve been transparent about our desire to add to the rotation and bring in more offense,” he said. “You never want to feel like you’re running out of time or options. Today’s move puts us in a strong position.”
Gray is coming off a 14–8 season with a 4.28 ERA, striking out 201 and walking only 38 in 32 starts — the best strikeout-to-walk ratio in the National League last year. He is also one of only five pitchers to post 200-plus strikeouts in each of the last two seasons, reaffirming his status as a dependable front-line arm. Breslow praised his consistency, noting Gray’s elite command, swing-and-miss stuff, and ability to limit hard contact.
Over his 13-year MLB career spanning five teams, Gray has compiled a 125–102 record with a 3.58 ERA. While Breslow declined to label him as the official No. 2 starter behind Crochet, he made it clear the club views Gray as a significant upgrade — and that Boston still intends to add more talent as the offseason progresses.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, expressed excitement about the young pitchers they received in return. Fitts, who will turn 26 next month, debuted last season and finished with a 5.00 ERA. Clarke, a 22-year-old fifth-round pick, is rated the No. 5 prospect in Boston’s farm system and has flashed one of the highest ceilings among their minor-league arms. Cardinals executive Chaim Bloom, a former Red Sox leader, said both pitchers could grow into long-term contributors in St. Louis.
Gray waived his no-trade clause to join Boston. As part of the agreement, his contract was restructured: he will now earn $31 million in 2026, with a $30 million mutual option for 2027 that includes a $10 million buyout.
The Red Sox view this acquisition as a major step toward reshaping their rotation — and a strong signal that they intend to compete aggressively in 2026.
