SANTO DOMINGO. The Boston Red Sox acquired veteran pitcher
Sonny Gray, a three-time All-Star, on Tuesday in a strategic move made via a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.
As part of the agreement, the Cardinals received left-handed pitcher
Brandon Clarke —Boston’s No. 5 prospect according to MLB Pipeline—, right-hander
Richard Fitts, as well as a player to be named later or cash. Boston also obtained money in the trade.
Gray, 36, was scheduled to earn US$35 million in the final year of his three-season contract. The Red Sox are expected to restructure his deal into a one-year contract with a mutual option, valued at US$31 million for 2026, in addition to a US$10 million compensation if the option is not exercised.
A key reinforcement for Boston’s rotation
Gray comes from a solid season with the Cardinals, where he recorded a 14-8 record, a 4.28 ERA, and 201 strikeouts in 180.2 innings, leading the National League in the strikeout/walk ratio (5.29). His arrival immediately strengthens Boston’s rotation behind ace
Garrett Crochet, in a team that seeks to consolidate its progress after reaching the playoffs as a Wild Card in 2025.
The veteran has surpassed 200 strikeouts in the last two seasons and was close to the American League Cy Young in 2023, when he finished second with the Twins.
What the Cardinals Receive
The main value of the change for San Luis is
Brandon Clarke, 22 years old, a left-hander with a powerful fastball between 95-98 mph, which can touch 100 mph, complemented by an elite slider. In 2025 he had his first professional season, recording an ERA of 4.03 with 60 strikeouts in 38 innings between Class A and Advanced Class A.
Meanwhile,
Richard Fitts, 25, has 15 MLB games between 2024 and 2025, with a combined ERA of 3.97 and 49 strikeouts in 65.2 innings. His fastball averaged almost 96 mph this season, accompanied by a sweeper with a 40% whiff rate.
