MLB Notebook: Sonny Gray enters free agency, Red Sox scramble to clear roster space

Sonny Gray is officially a free agent after his $30 million mutual option for 2027 has been declined. The veteran will get a $10 million buyout and will see if he can land a multi-year deal on the free agent market. 

Gray, 36, was widely expected to decline his option, as the veteran right-hander figures to command a more lucrative deal on the free-agent market this winter.

Gray emerged as the Red Sox’ most dependable starter this season, serving as their de facto ace after Garrett Crochet suffered an injury that sidelined him for the entire summer. The veteran should also be considered for the American League Cy Young Award after leading the league with 18 wins. Philadelphia's Cristopher Sánchez was the only other pitcher in the majors to reach that mark.

The righty was outstanding in his first season with Boston, posting a 2.72 ERA and 1.15 WHIP while holding opposing hitters to a .236 batting average across 29 starts. The veteran right-hander struck out 149 batters and walked just 46 over 169 innings despite missing several starts early in the season with a hamstring injury.

He now joins former teammates left-hander Patrick Sandoval and infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the free agent market. Both Sandoval and Kiner-Falefa elected free agency on Thursday. 

There had been speculation that Gray would retire following the season, but he reached out to The Boston Globe on Oct. 9, indicating his intention of pitching beyond this past season. 

“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 Boston or with whoever wants me,” Gray wrote in a text.

Gray's willingness to return to the Red Sox is particularly noteworthy given his comments to the Globe. Following Boston's Wild Card Series loss to the Yankees, the veteran right-hander was noncommittal about returning to the organization, especially after how his outing was handled in Game 2 of the series.

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy pulled Gray after just 4 2/3 innings in Game 2 where he allowed just one run to the Yankees. Gray publicly acknowledged his frustration with the decision, but Gray, Tracy, and Craig Breslow following the loss and cleared the air. Gray mentioned that he never had a bad relationship with Tracy said it was “in a fine place.” 

Boston acquired Gray from the Cardinals last offseason for right-hander Richard Fitts, left-handed pitching prospect Brandon Clarke, and a player to be named later or cash. 

If Gray was to leave the Red Sox in free agency, the rotation is still in a good spot with Crochet, the emergence of Payton Tolle, Ranger Suarez, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, Johan Oviedo, and Jake Bennett. 

Even with that depth, the Sox were tested all season, having to use Eduardo Rivera, Raymond Burgos, and Jedixson Paez in spot starts with Alec Gamboa and Jovani Moran as openers. 

The Sox should look to add another starter to the rotation next season, even if it’s someone who could pitch at the back end of the rotation. High-profile arms on the market include Michael King, whom the Sox had interest in signing last offseason, Tarik Skubal, Robbie Ray, and Nick Martinez, to name a few. Breslow had interest in Shane Bieber a few offseasons ago, but he opted to remain with the Guardians at the time. The Sox could look to bring the veteran in after pitching for the Blue Jays last season. 

As noted in a previous column, Martinez is another intriguing option to replace Gray following a successful stint with the Rays. His mutual option was declined, making him a free agent. The veteran right-hander figures to draw plenty of interest and could return to Tampa Bay, particularly if the Rays lose Freddy Peralta in free agency.

Another possibility, albeit an unlikely one, is a reunion with Lucas Giolito. If the Red Sox are looking to take a one-year flyer on a veteran starter, Giolito is expected to return to the open market after struggling with the Padres last season, posting a 5.16 ERA and 1.85 WHIP across seven appearances.

Roster Crunch

As Gray enters free agency, the Red Sox have additional housekeeping to do before Monday's deadline to get their 40-man roster in order.

Boston has already made two trades to create roster flexibility, sending outfielder Nate Eaton to the Athletics and infielder Tsung-Che Cheng to the Tigers, with the latter deal bringing back cash considerations.

The moves free up two spots on the Red Sox’ 40-man roster, but Boston still needs to clear two more by Monday to accommodate seven players returning from the 60-day injured list, including Kutter Crawford, Zack Kelly, Johan Oviedo, Eduardo Rivera, Justin Slaten, Triston Casas and Eli White.

The Red Sox acquired Cheng from the Nationals last February. The 25-year-old spent just 32 games on Boston's active roster this past season, appearing in 14 games while the team went 13-1. Cheng made 13 starts at shortstop during June and July while Trevor Story was on the injured list, batting .256 (10-for-39) with one double, five RBI, seven runs scored and 14 strikeouts.

Although his offensive contributions were limited, Cheng made his presence felt defensively during Boston's 15-game winning streak. With the Red Sox clinging to a 6-5 lead and two runners in scoring position on July 20, Cheng made a leaping catch on a 93.8 mph line drive for the final out, securing Boston's 14th consecutive victory.

He followed that performance with another highlight-reel play, fielding a 109.9 mph ground ball for the final out of the Red Sox’ 15th straight win.

Cheng also made history at Triple-A Worcester, becoming the first player in WooSox history to hit for the cycle. He was the first player at Boston's Triple-A affiliate to accomplish the feat since Henry Ramos did so for Pawtucket on July 4, 2016, against Charlotte.

With additional roster spots needed, Breslow faces several decisions involving players on the bubble.

One name worth monitoring is Crawford, who has missed the past two seasons because of injuries. Boston could also consider non-tendering Jahmai Jones before attempting to bring him back on a minor league contract.

Casas presents a more complicated decision for the Red Sox. The first baseman has missed significant time over the past two seasons and has been sidelined since suffering a patellar injury to his knee.

There is still a possibility Casas could develop into