The Boston Red Sox have acquired pitcher Sonny Gray and cash from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher Richard Fitts, pitching prospect Brandon Clarke, and a player to be named later.

Gray was due $35 million in 2026 under his original contract with the Cardinals, and would receive a $5 million buyout if his $30 million 2027 club option were declined. He now is getting $31 million for the 2026 season, and the 2027 option has been converted to a mutual option at $30 million with a $10 million buyout. The net effect is that Gray will receive $41 million for what will almost certainly be just the 2026 season. Reports indicate that the Cardinals are paying $20 million of that amount.

Gray signed a 3 year, $75 million deal with the Cardinals after the 2023 season. In two seasons he has put up a 4.07 ERA and 3.26 FIP over 347 innings covering 60 starts. The significant ERA/FIP split means his bWAR and fWAR show markedly different views of Gray — he has a 3.2 bWAR over the past two seasons, versus a 7.4 fWAR.