December 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Fall/Winter League Roundup: Red Sox acquire Gray; Campbell, Garcia to play in winter leagues
-----
Red Sox trade for Sonny Gray
After making several minor trades to finalize their 40-man roster in advance of the Rule 5 draft, the Red Sox made their first big splash of the offseason last Tuesday. The Red Sox acquired starting pitcher Sonny Gray and cash considerations (approximately $20 million) from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for right-hander Richard Fitts and left-hander Brandon Clarke. Gray is coming off a season where he pitched to a 4.28 ERA in 180 2/3 innings and led the major leagues with a 5.29 K/BB ratio. The Red Sox traded a pair of promising pitchers to St. Louis in return. Fitts had a 5.00 ERA in 45 innings for the Red Sox last season, making a couple of stints on the IL with a pectoral strain and right arm neuritis. Fitts was originally acquired from the Yankees in December 2023 and he projects as a back-end starter or multi-inning reliever. Clarke was one of the breakout players in the Red Sox system last season, rising from 18th in the season-opening rankings to 8th in the most recent rankings update. He struck out 60 batters and delivered a 4.03 ERA in 38 innings between Salem and Greenville last season. Clarke's calling card is his elite fastball velocity and wipeout slider but the lack of a consistent third pitch and control struggles have potential to push him to the bullpen in the long term. On the latest episode of the SoxProspects.com podcast, Chris and Ian reacted to the trade and discussed next steps for the Red Sox offseason.