Red Sox Manager Praises Newly Acquired 3-Time All-Star Pitcher

Sonny Gray joins the Red Sox rotation after a trade with the Cardinals this offseason.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox added starting pitcher Sonny Gray this winter via trade, and manager Alex Cora is already impressed with what he's seen from the 3-time All-Star. Cora praised Gray's work ethic and competitiveness, saying he's 'still getting better' and will give the team a boost in the rotation behind Garrett Crochet and Ranger Suarez.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are hoping Gray can provide a veteran presence and stability in the middle of their rotation as they look to win the AL East division. His experience pitching at Fenway Park and against AL East opponents from his time with the Yankees should also benefit the team.

The details

Gray has made two spring training appearances so far, though the results haven't been the best. However, Cora sees plenty of positives, describing Gray as 'very specific about his work' and saying 'every day has a purpose' for the veteran pitcher. Cora is also encouraged by Gray's willingness to help out younger pitchers in camp like Payton Tolle and Connelly Early.

  • Gray was acquired by the Red Sox in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason.
  • Gray has made two spring training appearances as of March 12, 2026.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Sonny Gray

A 3-time MLB All-Star pitcher who was recently acquired by the Red Sox in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Garrett Crochet

A starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.

Ranger Suarez

A starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.

Payton Tolle

A young pitcher in the Red Sox's minor league system.

Connelly Early

A young pitcher in the Red Sox's minor league system.

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What they’re saying

“He's very specific about his work. Every day has a purpose. It's been refreshing having a veteran that acts that way. He's been outstanding for the guys here in camp.”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox (The Athletic)

“This guy, he's still getting better, which is crazy to say, right? Two hundred strikeouts, that's something that we were looking for, and hopefully we can accomplish that. But I think the competitor, every five days, this guy is going to give you everything. And I'm excited about that.”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to monitor Gray's progress and performance in spring training as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The addition of Sonny Gray gives the Red Sox a veteran presence in their starting rotation as they look to win the AL East division. Cora's praise of Gray's work ethic and competitiveness suggests the team is optimistic he can provide stability and help develop younger pitchers on the staff.