The Boston Red Sox have made a major move to strengthen their pitching rotation, acquiring veteran right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals, the teams announced Tuesday.
St. Louis received two arms in return — left-handed prospect Brandon Clarke and right-hander Richard Fitts. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Boston will also receive $20 million from the Cardinals to help offset Gray’s salary.
Gray Waives No-Trade Clause to Join Boston
Gray, 36, approved the move by waiving his no-trade clause. The three-time All-Star is coming off a solid 2025 season, finishing 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA while making every scheduled start for St. Louis.
Under his contract, Gray is set to earn $35 million in 2026, with a $30 million mutual option for 2027, which includes a $5 million buyout.
A Powerful New Duo in Boston’s Rotation
By adding Gray alongside ace Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox now feature two of only five pitchers who have recorded 200+ strikeouts in each of the past two seasons, per ESPN Research. Gray punched out 201 batters last season after recording 203 strikeouts in 2024.
Across his 13-year MLB career, Gray has compiled a 125-102 record with a strong 3.58 ERA over 330 starts.
Who Did the Cardinals Get in Return?
Brandon Clarke, 22, brings serious velocity with a fastball that touches 100 mph, paired with a sharp slider. He posted a 4.03 ERA in 38 innings at Class A this season, striking out 60 but walking 27.
Richard Fitts, who turns 26 next month, showed flashes during his rookie season with Boston. He went 2-4 with a 5.00 ERA in 10 starts, striking out 40 while allowing 11 home runs in 45 innings.
