Red Sox: Sonny Gray Free Agency Looms as Exit Expected

Sonny Gray free agency is now the biggest question facing the Boston Red Sox this offseason. MassLive insider Sean McAdam wrote on Sunday that Gray is expected to leave Boston in free agency, per reports summarizing his column, after the veteran right-hander led the American League with 18 wins in 2026. No departure is final, and other reports still list the Red Sox among Gray's primary suitors.





What did Sean McAdam report about Sonny Gray?


Sean McAdam of MassLive wrote that Sonny Gray was expected to leave the Boston Red Sox in free agency, and that Gray would be Boston's only significant loss in free agency. Sports Illustrated, summarizing McAdam's Sunday column, stressed that McAdam was not reporting a definitive decision that Gray will not return.


The distinction matters for the Red Sox. Sonny Gray free agency talk is a strong signal about how the market may develop, not a signed contract with another team. Boston can still pursue a reunion, and MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand, per NESN, listed the Red Sox among Gray's primary suitors.





How good was Sonny Gray for the Red Sox in 2026?


Sonny Gray gave the Boston Red Sox an ace season in 2026. Gray finished 18-5 with a 2.72 ERA in 29 starts, pitching 169 innings with 149 strikeouts and 46 walks.


The Boston Red Sox acquired Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals last offseason to pitch near the top of the rotation. Gray took over as Boston's staff ace after Garrett Crochet missed most of the season with left shoulder inflammation and a strained lat muscle.


What is Sonny Gray's contract option with the Red Sox?


Sonny Gray and the Boston Red Sox hold a mutual option for 2027 worth $30 million, with a $10 million buyout. Mutual options are rarely picked up by both sides, so Sonny Gray is expected to reach free agency unless Boston and Gray agree on a new deal first.


Gray has already settled the retirement question. Gray told Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, in a text reported by several outlets: "My family and I have talked about it and it's an easy decision. I still want to win a World Series, whether that is [with] Boston or with whoever wants me."





What would the Red Sox starting rotation for 2027 look like without Gray?


The Red Sox starting rotation for 2027 would still have a clear top if Sonny Gray leaves. McAdam wrote that Boston's rotation is excellent even with the likely loss of Gray, led by a now healthy Garrett Crochet, with Payton Tolle and Jake Bennett getting better and Ranger Suarez proven and dependable.


That depth does not make Gray easy to replace. The Red Sox would lose their 2026 wins leader and the right-hander who carried the rotation while Garrett Crochet was out. Boston's front office, led by Craig Breslow, must decide how much to pay for Gray's age-37 season.


Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported, per NESN, that some believe Sonny Gray might prefer a team closer to his home in Tennessee. Gray's season also ended with frustration: Gray was pulled after 4 2/3 innings in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees, and Gray said he was not given a reason for his removal.





Frequently Asked Questions


Is Sonny Gray leaving the Red Sox?

Sonny Gray has not signed elsewhere and no departure is final. Sean McAdam of MassLive wrote that Gray is expected to leave in free agency, per reports, while Mark Feinsand listed Boston among Gray's primary suitors.


Will Sonny Gray pitch in 2027?

Yes. Sonny Gray told Alex Speier of The Boston Globe that he and his family decided he will pitch in 2027 because he still wants to win a World Series.


What is Sonny Gray's contract option?

Sonny Gray and the Boston Red Sox hold a $30 million mutual option for 2027 with a $10 million buyout. Mutual options are rarely exercised by both sides, so Gray is expected to become a free agent.


Sources:

https://www.si.com/mlb/red-sox/onsi/red-sox-insider-drops-strong-hints-on-sonny-gray-s-future-jackson3

https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/report-sonny-gray-plans-to-pitch-in-2027-open-to-red-sox-reunion/

https://nesn.com/boston-red-sox/news/why-red-sox-might-tough-bringing-sonny-gray-back-offseason/b50bb3f9ad1bd74c0209cbde

Location: Boston, MA, USA

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