Instead of securing the bag this offseason, Sonny Gray might potentially be walking away from the bag.
The Boston Red Sox pitcher Gray could possibly retire after this season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reported on Thursday. Cotillo notes that Gray has touched on the potential of retirement in recent interviews and adds that the Red Sox do not believe that Gray is making an empty threat.
However, Cotillo does add that some in the industry project that Gray’s strong 2026 campaign could put him in a position to receive a new contract in the range of three years and $75 million (if Gray decides to keep pitching). You can read Cotillo’s full report on the situation here.
Gray is 36 years old now but is still very much at the top of his game. A three-time MLB All-Star, Gray has enjoyed a big-time resurgence this season, leading Major League Baseball with 17 wins to go along with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP through 27 starts.
As it stands right now, Gray has a $30 million mutual option with the Red Sox for the 2027 campaign. But with a $10 million buyout clause, Gray can easily decide to opt out and test free agency.
Gray is a 14-year veteran in an MLB landscape where pitchers can sometimes last into their early 40s. The right-hander also drew trade interest from some prominent teams at this year’s deadline, but he may stunningly be considering the possibility of walking away after the season.
