Sonny Gray Joins Red Sox as No. 2 Starter for 2026 Season

Veteran pitcher brings experience and stability to Boston's rotation

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant red, navy blue, and white colors.Sonny Gray's complex pitching mechanics are deconstructed in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the veteran's multifaceted approach to the game.Boston Today

The Boston Red Sox have announced that right-hander Sonny Gray will be the team's No. 2 starter for the 2026 season, following Garrett Crochet. Gray, a 36-year-old veteran with 13 years of MLB experience, was traded to the Red Sox late in the 2025 season from the St. Louis Cardinals. His solid performance last year, including a 14-8 record and 201 strikeouts, has the Red Sox management excited about his potential to bolster their pitching staff.

Why it matters

The addition of Sonny Gray to the Red Sox rotation is a significant move that adds depth and stability to the team's pitching. Gray's experience and track record of success could be a valuable asset as the Red Sox aim to contend for a playoff spot. His presence also provides a veteran presence that can help guide and mentor the team's younger pitchers.

The details

Sonny Gray was acquired by the Red Sox in a late-2025 trade that sent several prospects to the Cardinals. Despite a 4.12 ERA last season, Gray's underlying metrics suggest he may have been a bit unlucky, with a FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) of 3.39. The Red Sox are hoping that a change of scenery and the opportunity to be a key part of their rotation will help Gray regain his previous form.

  • Gray was traded to the Red Sox in late 2025.
  • Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Gray as the team's No. 2 starter for the 2026 season on April 10, 2026.

The players

Sonny Gray

A 36-year-old right-handed pitcher with 13 years of MLB experience, including a 14-8 record and 201 strikeouts for the Cardinals in 2025.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who announced Gray as the team's No. 2 starter for the 2026 season.

Garrett Crochet

The Boston Red Sox's No. 1 starter for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to have Sonny Gray join our rotation and bring his wealth of experience to the team. His performance last season suggests he still has a lot to offer, and we're confident he can be a key part of our success this year.”

— Alex Cora, Manager, Boston Red Sox

What’s next

The Red Sox will monitor Gray's performance throughout spring training and the early part of the 2026 season to ensure he is fully prepared to take on the role of No. 2 starter.

The takeaway

The acquisition of Sonny Gray represents a savvy move by the Red Sox front office, as they look to bolster their pitching staff with a veteran presence who can provide stability and leadership. If Gray can recapture his previous form, he could be a crucial piece in the Red Sox's pursuit of a playoff berth in 2026.