Sonny Gray: A Masterful Acquisition for the Red Sox
Sonny Gray’s 2025 season wasn’t just good – it was remarkably efficient and statistically notable. He quietly established himself as one of baseball’s most valuable pitchers, and his impact on the Red Sox was undeniable. You might be surprised to learn just how effectively he performed, especially considering the Cy Young conversation he deserved to be a part of.
A Season of Undervalued Excellence
Gray finished seventh in the league among qualifying pitchers in pitch-to-contact rate, a testament to his ability to generate weak contact. More impressively, his SIERA (Skill-Interactive ERA) was a full run lower than his actual ERA, clocking in at a stellar 3.29. this ranked him sixth in all of Major League Baseball, showcasing a significant gap between expected and actual results – a sign of exceptional pitching.
Consider this: only one other pitcher within the top 11 in SIERA didn’t receive a single Cy Young vote. That speaks volumes about the quality of his performance and the potential oversight in the voting process.
Here’s a look at the league leaders in SIERA for 2025:
- Tarik Skubal: 2.71 (AL Cy Young Winner)
- Garrett Crochet: 2.86 (2nd in AL)
- Cristopher Sánchez: 3.02 (2nd in NL)
- Paul Skenes: 3.10 (NL Cy Young Winner)
- Logan Webb: 3.14 (4th in NL)
- Sonny Gray: 3.29
- Bryan Woo: 3.30 (5th in AL)
8-T. Yoshinobu Yamamoto: 3.32 (3rd in NL)
8-T. Jacob deGrom: 3.32 (8th in AL)
8-T. Joe Ryan: 3.32
- Hunter Brown: 3.39 (3rd in AL)
Looking Ahead: Continued Success Projected
Fortunately, the outlook for 2026 remains shining. Leading projection systems, like Steamer, anticipate another strong showing from Gray. They currently project him at 3.9 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), placing him ninth among all pitchers.
Interestingly, teammate Garrett Crochet is projected even higher at 5.6 WAR, making the Red Sox the only team with two pitchers in the top 15. This demonstrates the strength and depth the team is building on the mound.
A Smart Trade for Boston
the acquisition of Gray wasn’t just about his on-field performance; it was a financially savvy move. While the Red Sox did trade away some pitching prospects, including Brandon Clarke, they also received $20 million from St.Louis to offset Gray’s salary.
This leaves Boston with only $21 million guaranteed to Gray through 2026, including a buyout option. This financial flexibility is crucial, allowing the team to address another pressing need: bolstering their lineup with a powerful hitter.
Ultimately,the trade for Sonny Gray has proven to be a win-win for the red Sox. You’re getting a proven, high-performance pitcher at a reasonable cost, and the team is well-positioned for continued success. It’s a testament to smart decision-making and a clear vision for the future.
