The Boston Red Sox bolstered their rotation by acquiring veteran right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. In exchange, the Cardinals received prospects Brandon Clarke and Richard Fitts, along with a player to be named later or cash considerations, and sent $20 million to Boston. Gray, a three-time All-Star, waived his no-trade clause to join the Red Sox behind ace Garrett Crochet.
The trade, announced on Tuesday, addresses Boston's need for an established starter following their AL Wild Card Series loss to the Yankees. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow emphasized Gray's value, stating, “When you think about what Sonny has been in this league, he’s a guy who has pitched in the front of rotations.” Gray, 36, posted a 14-8 record with a 4.28 ERA, 201 strikeouts and a league-leading 5.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 32 starts and 180 2/3 innings for St. Louis in 2025.
For the Cardinals, the deal signals a rebuild under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, who succeeded John Mozeliak after three consecutive playoff misses. Bloom noted, “We have somewhere we need to go and we’re not there now, and the way to get there is building on our core talent and [acquiring] promising, young talent.” Clarke, Boston's No. 5 prospect, is a 22-year-old lefty with a 95-98 mph fastball and devastating slider, though limited to 38 innings in 2025 due to blisters. Fitts, 25, went 2-4 with a 5.00 ERA in 10 starts for Boston last year but showed a 3.97 ERA over 15 career MLB appearances.
Gray's contract was adjusted post-trade: $31 million salary for 2026, up from $35 million, with a $30 million club option for 2027 and $10 million buyout, allowing him to opt out if exercised. The $20 million from St. Louis covers part of his salary and buyout. Breslow added, “He was very clear about his desire to win, and his excitement about this opportunity.” This move keeps Boston's outfield intact, including Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, while the Cardinals eye further trades involving Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras.