Sonny Gray’s first season in Boston looked nothing like a pitcher ready to fade away. The 36-year-old gave the Red Sox one of the best years of his 14-year career, posting a 2.72 ERA across 29 starts and matching for the MLB lead with 18 wins. With Garrett Crochet sidelined, Gray became the steady hand in the rotation and delivered exactly what Boston needed.
And yet, as the offseason approaches, Gray has made it clear that retirement is at least on the table.
Earlier in September, he told The Boston Globe that he would retire “in a heartbeat” if his family wanted him to spend more time with them. After the Red Sox’ season-ending loss, he was even less definitive, saying, “I don’t know what the future holds for me.”
That uncertainty has been noticed inside the clubhouse, too. Crochet, who only occasionally overlapped with Gray in the rotation because of a shoulder injury, said the veteran’s future should come down to what Gray and his family decide.
“I was telling him that a second ago, whatever him and his family decide, it was a joy to watch this year. I still think he’s got a lot to give the game, but there’s something to be said about going out on your own terms, I suppose,” Crochet told reporters.
“Whatever he ultimately decides, that’ll be something that as a team, we support him on. But it was a pleasure having him here in Boston.”
Gray’s contract situation adds another layer to the decision. He has a $30 million mutual option for 2027, along with a $10 million buyout if the Red Sox decline their side. Because it’s a mutual option, either side can walk away and send Gray to free agency.
That call has to come in the days after the World Series, even with the possibility of a lockout hanging over the offseason. The price tag is steep, but Gray’s 2026 season put him in position for a multi-year deal if he reaches the open market.
If retirement is the path he chooses, that changes the picture entirely. Even if he only wants one more season, that would still shape how his offseason unfolds.
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