Red Sox have a $30 million Sonny Gray problem after 2026 season

1 week ago 15

The Boston Red Sox are in the middle of a postseason push this September, but one the 2026 season comes to a close, there are going to be some huge questions the Red Sox will need to answer.

Whether it's about the future of Jarren Duran in the outfield, or how the team will handle the infield setup with Franklin Arias potentially an option, this is a very important offseason. But one of the keys to the offseason will revolve around Sonny Gray.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report highlighted the $30 million question the Red Sox will have with Gray this fall and winter. With a $30M mutual option, the Red Sox are at real risk of losing Gray to the open market this offseason.

Red Sox facing tricky $30M Sonny Gray problem

"Considering he'll pitch next season at 37, he's probably not going to get more than $30 million for 2027 as a free agent," Kelly writes. "However, if he declines the option, the Red Sox will owe him a $10 million buyout."

Boston is surely going to accept their side of the $30 million mutual option, considering how great Gray has been for the Red Sox this season.

But when it comes to whether Gray will accept the option or not, this $10 million buyout presents a big problem for the Red Sox.

It would not be a surprise if Gray declined the option, got the $10M buyout from the Red Sox, and then sought out a $20 million per-year contract.

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Even though Gray is older, some team, whether it's the Red Sox or another club, will surely be willing to spend $20 million to land Gray.

But what makes it so tricky is that Gray could sign a two-year, $40 million deal on the open market, guaranteeing he lands an extra $20 million in 2028, regardless of his performance and health during the 2027 season.

He has a 2.76 ERA and a 17-5 record with the Red Sox in 2026, and is deserving of a big contract if he hits the open market. Even though he's older, his incredible 2026 season could present a challenge for the Red Sox.

Teams are going to have interest in Gray, and his $30 million option presents a big problem for the Red Sox. They could be out a key starter and lose some money in the process. This is a tricky situation, and one Craig Breslow needs to manage well.