Red Sox Bolster Pitching Staff with Sonny Gray Acquisition
Santo Domingo – The Boston Red Sox have reinforced their pitching staff by acquiring the experienced Sonny Gray, a three-time All-Star pitcher, in a strategic move made through a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.
In the agreement, the Cardinals received left-handed pitcher Brandon Clarke, considered Boston’s No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, along with right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts, plus the option of a player to be named later or financial compensation. The Red Sox also obtained financial resources in the transaction.
Gray, 36, is in the final year of his contract, with a salary of $35 million. It is anticipated that the Red Sox will restructure his deal, possibly to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2026, valued at $31 million, plus a compensation of $10 million if the option is not exercised.A key reinforcement for Boston’s rotation
Gray arrives after a standout season with the Cardinals, where he accumulated a 14-8 record, a 4.28 ERA, and 201 strikeouts in 180.2 innings. He led the National League in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.29). His addition strengthens Boston’s rotation, led by Garrett Crochet, on a team looking to consolidate its position after reaching the playoffs as a Wild Card in 2025.
The veteran has surpassed 200 strikeouts in the last two seasons and was close to winning the American League Cy Young award in 2023, finishing in second place with the Twins.What Cardinals Receive
For St. Louis, the main value of the change resides in Brandon Clarke, a 22-year-old left-handed pitcher with a powerful fastball that ranges from 95 to 98 mph, capable of reaching 100 mph, and complemented by a high-quality slider. In 2025, Clarke had his first professional season, with an ERA of 4.03 and 60 strikeouts in 38 innings between Class A and Advanced Class A.
Richard Fitts, 25 years old, has participated in 15 MLB games between 2024 and 2025, with a combined ERA of 3.97 and 49 strikeouts in 65.2 innings. His fastball averaged almost 96 mph this season, accompanied by a sweeper that generated a 40% whiff rate.
