Sonny Gray Becomes Free Agent After Red Sox Decline Option
The Boston Red Sox declined Sonny Gray’s mutual option for 2027 on October 30, making the right-hander a free agent and triggering a $10 million buyout.
Sonny Gray is a free agent after the Boston Red Sox and the 37-year-old right-hander did not exercise their mutual option for the 2027 season. The decision was confirmed on October 30, and Gray will receive a $10 million buyout. The option was valued at $30 million.
Gray helped Boston reach the playoffs in 2026, finishing with an 18-5 record, a 2.72 ERA and 149 strikeouts. The Red Sox acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals before the season. His performance is expected to draw interest from teams seeking starting pitching.
Estimates of Gray’s potential contract vary. One industry projection puts a deal near $75 million over three years, while Spotrac’s market estimate is slightly above $58 million for the same term. Boston could still pursue a reunion, with a need for right-handed starters beyond Brayan Bello and Tanner Houck. The Atlanta Braves have also been identified as a possible fit, given their pitching needs and past links to Gray.
Gray can now consider offers from Boston and other clubs. He is expected to have multiple playoff-caliber teams interested as he decides where to play in 2027.