Sonny Gray just delivered one of the most impressive seasons of his career at age 36 for the Boston Red Sox. His $30 million mutual option with the Red Sox has been declined and he's officially a free agent.
Gray ended the 2026 season very much at odds with Red Sox manager Chad Tracy's decision to pull him after 70 pitches in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series (a game which Boston lost, ending their season). Immediately following the game, Gray refused to offer any indication that he was interested in returning to the Red Sox in 2027.
That doesn't mean Gray won't be back, as noted by MassLive's Chris Cotillo this week. Cotillo pointed out that "Gray is certainly a candidate to return — the icy ending to his season won’t matter if the Red Sox make the right offer."
Cotillo also noted, however, that "there’s a chance a bidding war that includes teams that are more pitching-needy than Boston could price the Sox out," floating the Atlanta Braves as one of those clubs, given Gray's southern roots.
With the above in mind, let's dive into a theoretical list of three teams (Atlanta included) who could outbid the Red Sox for Gray this winter.
3 teams more likely to sign Sonny Gray than the Red Sox this offseason
Atlanta Braves
I feel like the Atlanta Braves would be a good destination for Sonny Gray this offseason. Closer to home. Winning organization.
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) October 1, 2026
Gray grew up in Tennessee and played college baseball at Vanderbilt. He's long been linked to the Braves due to the geographical convenience, but also due to Atlanta's interest. The Braves checked on Gray as a trade target as recently as the 2026 trade deadline.
Atlanta's rotation faces uncertainty amid Tyler Mahle's free agency (they'll try to bring him back, but it's not guaranteed), as well as the ongoing injury trouble of Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach. Gray could come in and provide what he provided Boston in 2026: Durability and 20-plus quality starts at the level of an ace.
Chicago Cubs
At least five Cubs starting pitchers are entering free agency or have options that could send them into the market this winter, including Kevin Gausman and Shota Imanaga (both free agents).
Pitching is the clear priority for Cubs PBO Jed Hoyer right now (something he's acknowledged), making Gray an obvious target. And this isn't a franchise that's afraid to spend.
Toronto Blue Jays
What better way for Toronto to weaken its division rival than by poaching Boston's best starting pitcher from last season? Gray could slide in next to Dylan Cease as a formidable No. 2 for the Jays and help ensure that they bounce back from a disappointing 2026. Again, there's no issue with spending here (see: Cease's contract last offseason).
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