Chris CwikContributing writerTue, November 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM UTC·2 min readThe Boston Red Sox are looking to shore up their rotation after losing veteran Lucas Giolito to free agency. In an attempt to strengthen their rotation, the team reportedly acquired starter Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.
Gray, 36, needed to waive his no-trade clause to join the Red Sox. The long-time veteran was reportedly willing to make that move, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Red Sox will receive Gray and cash from the Cardinals. In exchange, Boston is sending two young pitchers to St. Louis: Lefty Brandon Clarke and righty Richard Fitts, per Passan.
Gray joins the Red Sox after posting a 4.28 ERA over 180 2/3 innings with the Cardinals in 2025. It was Gray's highest single-season ERA since 2018, when he posted a 4.90 ERA in 190 1/3 innings with the New York Yankees.
Despite Gray's efforts, the Cardinals disappointed in 2025, finishing with a 78-84 record, good for fourth place in the National League Central. After signing a three-year, $75 million deal with St. Louis in 2023, Gray still has one year left on his contract. He'll make $35 million in 2026. The Red Sox also have a $30 million club option on Gray for the 2027 season. Given his age, Gray would have to perform extremely well for Boston to pick up that option when the time comes.
Though Gray was only signed for one season, his $35 million salary may have proved too costly for the Cardinals, who appear to be re-tooling after a down season. While the Cardinals will send cash to Boston, presumably to cover a portion of Gray's contract, St. Louis will shed a ton of payroll with the move. Clarke is still making a minor-league salary and Fitts made under $1 million last season.
This story will be updated.
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