Red Sox could trade Sonny Gray if season continues to be disaster

TL;DR

The Boston Red Sox are struggling with an 8-13 start to the season, leading to speculation about a potential trade for pitcher Sonny Gray. If the team's performance does not improve, Gray could be moved despite being acquired recently.

Key points

Boston Red Sox have an 8-13 start to the season
Speculation about trading Sonny Gray is increasing
Gray was acquired in the offseason

Boston Red Sox

Red Sox could trade Sonny Gray if season continues to be disaster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox are not off to the start that anyone thought was possible. With all of the hype coming into the year, the Red Sox getting out to an 8-13 start is a major disappointment.

But there's still plenty of time for things to turn around. Boston having success come the end of the year would not be a surprise with how talented the roster is. But a further collapse cannot be ruled out.

In such a disastrous scenario, the Red Sox, according to David Schoenfield of ESPN, could entertain a trade for Sonny Gray. Despite trading for him over the offseason, Gray could be on the move once again.

Red Sox might trade Sonny Gray if season disaster continues

"If-all-goes-wrong candidate No. 2: Sonny Gray," Schoenfield writes. "The veteran right-hander has a $30 million mutual option or a $10 million buyout for 2027, making him a potential free agent and possible trade candidate if Boston's slow start is a sign of things to come."

The Red Sox are not in the best spot with their record so far this season, and if things continue to unravel, Craig Breslow might have to consider selling off some of his players at the trade deadline.

Jarren Duran is one name to keep a close eye on, even if they begin to rebound. But the Red Sox might also be open to dealing Gray.

More: Red Sox never close on Astros’ Isaac Paredes trade

Unfortunately for the Red Sox, as Schoenfield called out, there is some concern with Gray that could negatively impact his trade value. Compared to his 26.7 percent strikeout rate last season, he has a 12.5 percent strikeout rate in 2026.

He has a 4.43 ERA through four starts this season, and he also sustained a hamstring injury during his fifth start this year. If that injury is a serious issue, and he's held out for some time, the Red Sox might have an even harder time trading him.

A trade with Gray is very much in play if the 2026 season completely falls apart for Boston. Even though a trade might be hard to find, the Red Sox trading Gray away at the deadline is something to watch, especially if these early-season struggles continue.