The Boston Red Sox have acquired starting pitcher Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade that bolsters their rotation for the 2026 season. The deal sends prospects Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke to St. Louis, marking a key move in Boston's active offseason.
The Boston Red Sox made a significant addition to their starting rotation by acquiring Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. This blockbuster trade, which occurred during the offseason, involved the Red Sox sending prospects Richard Fitts and Brandon Clarke to St. Louis in exchange for the veteran right-hander.
Gray, entering his age-36 season, posted a 4.28 ERA in his last campaign and is viewed as a mid-rotation starter with below-average velocity. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow addressed fan concerns about the acquisition, emphasizing its role in stabilizing the pitching staff. While Gray represents a short-term fix, the move aligns with Boston's efforts to rebuild after a 2025 season that saw them return to the playoffs but lose to the New York Yankees in three games of the Wild Card Series.
The trade follows other roster changes, including third baseman Alex Bregman's opt-out to free agency and the June trade of Rafael Devers. With Gray now in the fold, reports indicate the Red Sox plan to prioritize offensive upgrades, targeting power bats to address their 15th-ranked home run total of 186 in 2025. Chief baseball officer Breslow stated the team's focus is on enhancing the offense that struggled after key departures.
Additional minor moves include signing infielder Vinny Capra, a 29-year-old former Blue Jays and Brewers player, to a minor league contract for organizational depth. Boston continues to monitor free agents and trade options, with interest noted in players like J.T. Realmuto and three-time All-Star Bo Bichette.