When the Boston Red Sox’s offseason began last fall after being eliminated in the American League Wild Card Series by the New York Yankees, there were questions as to how Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow was going to build his roster for 2026. There were questions surrounding some free agents, mainly Alex Bregman.
In the end, the third baseman left in free agency. He signed with the Chicago Cubs, and the question was, how was Breslow going to pivot to replace him? Instead of doing that right away, he pivoted to pitching.
He signed Ranger Suárez from the Philadelphia Phillies before addressing third base by acquiring Caleb Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers. Breslow has loaded up the Red Sox rotation this year, and he added to it through trades. One of those players acquired sent a message to the rest of the American League East after his final spring start.
Red Sox Pitcher Sonny Gray Sends Warning on Upcoming Season
One move Breslow made this offseason was acquiring Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. He wasn’t the only player Boston acquired during Chaim Bloom’s offseason sale. They also got first baseman Willson Contreras late in the winter.
As for Gray, he’ll slot in behind Garrett Crochet at the No. 2 to begin the season. He had his final tune-up against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday and went six innings, scattering four hits, allowing two runs, and striking out nine. He didn’t issue a walk in the 6-3 victory.
“I felt it today,” said Gray. “I get chills now (describing it). That’s what we’re always chasing.”
When the deal was made, it wasn’t seen as a big move. However, it was an opportunity to be a very under-the-radar move. In his two seasons with the Cardinals, the 36-year-old was dominating at times. Last season, he followed up a 13-9 2024 season with a 14-8 campaign. His ERA rose a little, but last year, from 3.84 to 4.28. Gray recorded a second straight 200-strikeout season. He threw a career-high 180.2 innings.
“I had no concerns, and I have no concerns,” said Gray.
Sonny Gray Could Be a Major X-Factor in 2026
Suárez missed some camp with the Boston Red Sox because of the World Baseball Classic earlier this month. Boston manager Alex Cora is moving his rotation around for Opening Day. Gray will follow Crochet, with Suárez slotting in the fifth spot because his buildup is behind the others, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.
That means instead of throwing this upcoming weekend against the Cincinnati Reds, Suárez will make his Red Sox debut next week against the Houston Astros in Texas. If things go as planned with no rainouts or anything, they could lineup Gray to pitch the Boston home opener at Fenway Park on April 3 against the San Diego Padres.
Boston has a rotation that, if it stays healthy, could be up there with the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees in the American League East. Gray could end up being the most underrated move this season if he can come close to repeating his numbers from the last two seasons in St. Louis.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Newly-Acquired Boston Red Sox Pitcher Sends Message Ahead of Opening Day appeared first on Heavy Sports.