Sonny Gray’s New Beginnings with the Boston Red Sox
Newly acquired Boston Red Sox starter Sonny Gray did not waste any time in making his feelings known about his new home and his former team, the New York Yankees. During his introductory press conference with the Red Sox on Tuesday, Gray wasted no time in fueling the longstanding rivalry between the two teams. His remarks, while fiery, reflect a deeper story of personal and professional redemption.
The Rivalry Heats Up
Gray’s transition to Boston was marked by a clear sense of relief and excitement. “It feels good to me to go to a place where it’s easy to hate the Yankees,” he said, a statement that resonated deeply with the Red Sox faithful. This sentiment was not born out of mere pandering; it stemmed from a history of frustration and discord with the Yankees. Gray’s candid admission, “I never wanted to go [to New York] in the first place,” underscores the complexity of his journey.
The Tumultuous Time in New York
Gray’s tenure with the Yankees was far from smooth. Despite an excellent start to his career with the Oakland Athletics, his move to New York in the 2017 trade deadline was fraught with challenges. Initially, his ERA remained stable, but underlying issues began to surface. His strikeout rate dropped, his walk rate increased, and he struggled to adjust to the Yankees’ pitching philosophy, which emphasized the use of sliders. In 2019, Gray publicly criticized the Yankees, stating that the team’s insistence on him throwing “a s***ty spinning pitch” more often than he was comfortable with had a detrimental effect on his performance.
Rebuilding His Career
The 2018 season was particularly grueling for Gray. His reduced strikeout rate and increased walk rate persisted, leading to a 4.90 ERA over 130 1/3 innings. These struggles ultimately cost him his spot in the rotation, and he finished the year in the bullpen. The Yankees, disappointed with Gray’s performance, traded him to the Cincinnati Reds in the offseason. This move proved to be a turning point in Gray’s career. In Cincinnati, he found a new sense of purpose and success, making the All-Star Game in his first season and solidifying his position as a top-of-the-rotation starter.
A Resurgence of Form
Since leaving the Yankees, Gray has been a model of consistency and excellence. He has posted a 3.51 ERA and made two All-Star appearances. In 2023, while with the Minnesota Twins, he even achieved a second-place finish in the Cy Young award voting. At 36 years old, Gray has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. His ability to mix a variety of pitches with different types of spin has allowed him to remain effective and competitive, defying the typical decline that often accompanies a pitcher’s late career.
A Promising Future with the Red Sox
Despite an elevated 4.28 ERA last season, there are signs that Gray’s performance was impacted by some bad luck, suggesting the potential for improvement in his first season with the Red Sox. Boston’s decision to trade two young pitchers to acquire Gray is a clear indication of their belief in his capabilities. The Red Sox organization and its fans are likely feeling optimistic, especially after Gray’s enthusiastic denigration of their most-hated rival. His comments not only galvanized the fan base but also set the stage for a new chapter in his career, one where he can thrive and contribute to the team’s success.
