Craig Breslow has hit the trade jackpot with the St. Louis Cardinals. First, Steven Matz was an excellent trade deadline addition to the 2025 team, and now Willson Contreras is making a strong case for American League MVP and Sonny Gray is leading the Boston Red Sox's rotation.
Many fans had their doubts about Breslow's trade for the 36-year-old Gray but he's showed the world he's still got it. The veteran has posted a 2.48 ERA, the second-lowest metric in the AL behind Cy Young frontrunner Cam Schlittler, 1.12 WHIP, 90 strikeouts and 8 walks over 101.2 innings.
Before the Red Sox went off on a franchise history-making winning streak, Gray was one of the most obvious trade deadline candidates in the league. He's in the final year of his contract, and as the second-best pitcher in the AL this season, the Red Sox could've gotten a haul for him (and they still could, if they expect Garrett Crochet back soon enough to deal Gray to another contender).
But since Gray has pitched so well following one of the best first halves of his 14-year career, the Red Sox should keep him. They could even justify keeping him another year — and maybe they should.
Red Sox should consider extending Sonny Gray for 2027 season after All-Star caliber performance this year
Gray has a $30 million mutual option on his contract for 2027. Mutual options are almost never triggered, as both the team and the player must opt in for them to take effect. The Red Sox and Gray could come to a rare agreement or they could approach him about an extension (unless Gray plans on retiring, but he seemingly has more than enough left in the tank to go for at least one more season).
Gray's body of work for this season is worth the $30 million he's owed next year, provided he can maintain it. But the 2027 season is bound to be shortened by the impending collective bargaining agreement negotiations between MLB and the Players' Association, and $30 million is a serious price to pay for a shortened season.
if the Red Sox can negotiate a deal closer to the $20-25 million range, extending Gray for another season could be well worth it. He's been in the league for over a decade, has years of playoff experience and he's taken on a leadership role in the Sox's clubhouse (subscription required). Boston has multiple young pitchers on its roster and more coming up through the minor leagues and guidance from someone as experienced with as much longevity as Gray could be game-changing.
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