Sonny Gray Embraces Red Sox-Yankees Rivalry: A New Chapter in Boston
Right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray has expressed his total identification with the competitive culture of the Red Sox, marking his arrival in Boston as a turning point in his career. Gray sees this opportunity as a fresh start and an exciting chance to fully immerse himself in the historic rivalry with the New York Yankees. During a virtual conference with the media on Tuesday, Gray did not hide his enthusiasm for joining the organization and for what it means to compete from “the other side” of the most iconic matchup in American baseball.Gray has experience in the New York environment, where he played for the Yankees in 2017 after a trade from Oakland. However, his time there was not entirely successful, recording an ERA of 4.51 in 41 games before being transferred to Cincinnati.What influenced my decision to come to Boston was that feeling of belonging. Here it’s easy to hate the Yankees and live the rivalry intensely. I like that challenge.
Sonny Gray
Recalling that period, Gray was direct:
Since leaving New York, Gray has experienced a remarkable resurgence, including a standout 2023 season with the Twins, where he finished second in the American League Cy Young Award voting. According to Gray himself, the subsequent years have been more productive in every aspect.I never wanted to go there in the first place. It just didn’t work for who I am, or for my family. But I value that experience because it helped me become a better player and a better person.
Sonny Gray
Now, in Boston, the experienced right-handed pitcher is ready to bring leadership, stability, and competitiveness to a rotation that seeks to strengthen itself for next season.When I left I thought: ‘It just wasn’t me.’ I felt like I wasn’t allowed to go out on the field and be Sonny.
Sonny Gray
