Red Sox Pitcher Sonny Gray Bullish on 2026 Rotation

Veteran hurler believes Boston's pitching staff is as good as any he's been a part of.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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New Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray is excited about the team's pitching rotation for the 2026 season, calling it "as good as any I have been a part of." Gray, a three-time All-Star acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals, praised the Red Sox's offseason moves to bolster the staff, including the return of ace Garrett Crochet and the additions of Ranger Suárez, Brayan Bello, and Johan Oviedo.

Why it matters

The American League East is loaded with strong pitching rotations, so the Red Sox will need their staff to remain healthy and perform at a high level if they hope to contend. Gray's confidence in the group suggests Boston may have the arms to keep pace with division rivals like the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees.

The details

Gray, a 13-year MLB veteran, has been part of some talented pitching staffs in his career. But he believes the 2026 Red Sox rotation is the best he's been a part of. The group is headlined by ace Garrett Crochet, whom Gray praised as a "superstar in the league" with the physical tools and competitive spirit to lead the staff. The Red Sox also added Ranger Suárez in free agency and acquired Brayan Bello and Johan Oviedo via trades, giving them depth and quality behind Crochet.

  • Pitchers and catchers reported to Red Sox spring training on February 13, 2026.

The players

Sonny Gray

A 13-year MLB veteran and three-time All-Star pitcher who was recently acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Garrett Crochet

The ace of the Boston Red Sox pitching staff, known for his physical tools and competitive spirit.

Ranger Suárez

A free agent pitcher signed by the Boston Red Sox in the offseason to bolster their rotation.

Brayan Bello

A pitcher acquired by the Boston Red Sox via trade to add depth to their pitching staff.

Johan Oviedo

A pitcher acquired by the Boston Red Sox via trade to add depth to their pitching staff.

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What they’re saying

“On paper, it's as good as any I have been a part of.”

— Sonny Gray, Pitcher (heavy.com)

“He checks every box as far as this is a guy who would lead your staff. He reminds me of the guys I've been with — whether it's position player, pitcher, or whatever — the guys who have been and turned into superstars in the league. Carries himself with confidence, smiles, has a good time, ultra competitor. And as far as physical tools, I mean, he's off the charts.”

— Sonny Gray, Pitcher (heavy.com)

What’s next

The Red Sox will need to ensure their pitching staff remains healthy throughout the 2026 season as they look to contend in the competitive American League East division.

The takeaway

The Boston Red Sox have assembled a formidable pitching rotation for the 2026 season, with veteran hurler Sonny Gray expressing confidence that it is the best staff he has been a part of in his 13-year MLB career. If the Red Sox's pitching can live up to Gray's high praise, they may have the arms to keep pace with their division rivals and make a push for the playoffs.