Sonny Gray Plans to Pitch in 2027, Open to Red Sox Return

Sonny Gray Plans to Pitch in 2027, Open to Red Sox Return originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Sonny Gray plans to keep pitching in 2027, but whether he returns to the Boston Red Sox remains to be seen.

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Gray and his family have decided he isn't ready to retire, with the veteran right-hander still chasing his first World Series championship.

"My family and I have talked about it and it's an easy decision," Gray said, via Alex Speier. "I still want to win a World Series, whether that is [with] Boston or with whoever wants me."

Gray joined Boston last offseason in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals and delivered the best season of his career by wins and ERA. He finished 2026 with an 18-5 record and a 2.72 ERA, establishing career bests in both categories over a full season.

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His year ended on a frustrating note, however. Gray was pulled after 4 ⅔ innings in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees, with Boston trailing 1-0. The decision came after Gray had expressed uncertainty about his future in baseball.

That uncertainty now appears to be settled, though his next destination is still up in the air.

Gray spoke positively about his time in Boston late in the season, pointing to his experience in the city and at Fenway Park as reasons he enjoyed his first year with the Red Sox.

"I've really enjoyed the city," Gray said in September. "You never know what to expect, but I think the people have been great. I think Fenway is awesome. It's a very special place."

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Red Sox manager Chad Tracy also said he and Gray maintained a strong relationship following the decision to remove him in the postseason.

Gray's contract situation will play a role in determining where he pitches next. He is coming off the final guaranteed season of his restructured three-year, $75 million deal, which included a mutual option worth $30 million for 2027 and a $10 million buyout.

If the option is declined, Gray will become a free agent after the World Series. His latest comments make clear that he is open to returning to Boston, but he will consider other opportunities as he looks for a chance to compete for a championship.