Sox to acquire Sonny Gray

[notin]

3 minutes ago, FredLynn said:

We can do better than either one.

You do know that there is virtually no chance the team will get Schwarber or Alonso, right? They’ll sign Bregman again and tell us they had “significant interest” in the better players. 
SSDD

Ok what’s wrong with Bregman?

There are definite pros to signing Bregman, since the second tier 1b options are better than the second tier options at other INF positions.   He will also very likely cost more than Alonso or Schwarber, which should make all those fans who demand Henry soend more as happy…

[notin]

3 minutes ago, FredLynn said:

Framber Valdez is a better pitcher than Gray. The numbers prove it. I suggested a couple of better pitchers than Gray or Cease. There are no doubt others . Not my job to find them. If management can’t put together a competitive team they are rightfully open to criticism.

I didn’t comment about Framber’s pitching; I said he’s an *******.  Because he is.

Tell me where the Sox said Gray was their #2.

[FredLynn]

Just now, notin said:

Ok what’s wrong with Bregman?

There are definite pros to signing Bregman, since the second tier 1b options are better than the second tier options at other INF positions.   He will also very likely cost more than Alonso or Schwarber, which should make all those fans who demand Henry soend more as happy…

There’s nothing wrong with Bregman as a COMPLIMENTARY PIECE. But as last year proved he wasn’t enough. We need someone in ADDITION to Bregman. Think they’ll spend the money to get him? Or will they again claim they “really tried” as they did with Ryan at the TD last year.

[FredLynn]

2 minutes ago, notin said:

I didn’t comment about Framber’s pitching; I said he’s an *******.  Because he is.

Tell me where the Sox said Gray was their #2.

Oh-they haven’t said it yet. But they will. It’s how they operate.

[Randy Red Sox]

On 11/26/2025 at 7:38 PM, moonslav59 said:

$26M x 7! WOW!

Wonder if they can afford Bichette, now.

they can afford him.  Rogers has tons of $$ after ripping off Canadian consumers for years.

[Randy Red Sox]

I like Sonny Gray and only wish we could have gotten him 3-4 years ago. 

[mvp 78]

2 minutes ago, Randy Red Sox said:

I like Sonny Gray and only wish we could have gotten him 3-4 years ago. 

Gausman and Gray seemed like two good adds that the Sox whiffed on to bring in lesser pitchers. 

[Randy Red Sox]

I like Sonny Gray a lot but only wish we had gotten him 3-4 years ago. At this stage of his career I don't think he is a #2 SP anymore. I don't see him him as anything but a Gioloto replacement and of course another 1 year commitment. As a true Sox fan I am growing very weary of these 1 yr rentals and constant revolving door especially considering very few have actually worked out. 

[Randy Red Sox]

Just now, mvp 78 said:

Gausman and Gray seemed like two good adds that the Sox whiffed on to bring in lesser pitchers. 

Sox have too busy focusing on 1 yr deals on rehabbing SP. Hasn't worked out that well. Would rather the Sox have added a much younger quality SP they could extend for a few years like they did with Crochet. Even if Gray has a good year he is likely gone soon after.

[mvp 78]

Just now, Randy Red Sox said:

Sox have too busy focusing on 1 yr deals on rehabbing SP. Hasn't worked out that well. Would rather the Sox have added a much younger quality SP they could extend for a few years like they did with Crochet. Even if Gray has a good year he is likely gone soon after.

I don't have a problem with the rentals. Signing guys to rehab hasn't worked out so far (Paxton, Fulmer, Hendriks). 

[Hitch]

1 hour ago, Hugh2 said:

You literally said “the jays just signed a real #2 starting pitcher”

Fred loves tying himself up in knots. He'll take a position and pivot and twist anyway he can to keep it rather than revaluate. 

[notin]

43 minutes ago, FredLynn said:

There’s nothing wrong with Bregman as a COMPLIMENTARY PIECE. But as last year proved he wasn’t enough. We need someone in ADDITION to Bregman. Think they’ll spend the money to get him? Or will they again claim they “really tried” as they did with Ryan at the TD last year.

So the “complimentary piece” is the most expensive one?

Also the Sox were right to walk away from Ryan last year.  I’d rather have Tolle…

[notin]

25 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

I don't have a problem with the rentals. Signing guys to rehab hasn't worked out so far (Paxton, Fulmer, Hendriks). 

So you’re not high on Sandoval?

[FredLynn]

21 minutes ago, notin said:

So the “complimentary piece” is the most expensive one?

Also the Sox were right to walk away from Ryan last year.  I’d rather have Tolle…

We needed a solid #2 last year at the TD. That hasn't changed. Breslow apologized for not succeeding in meeting the needs of the team and the Boston sports writers were all over him for his abject failure, a failure that continues to this day. Gray is absolutely NOT the guy we need as a 2. He is fine if he is a 3-4 SP, but not in the role of a 2. As Moon wrote here this is likely the final SP roster and its again deficient. Its just the way the team operates-on the cheap.

[Randy Red Sox]

58 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

I don't have a problem with the rentals. Signing guys to rehab hasn't worked out so far (Paxton, Fulmer, Hendriks). 

There is more than that. Myself I'd prefer to have players stay awhile to better identify them. Sick to death of the constant changes and JUST STOP with signing rehabbing pitchers.

[notin]

15 minutes ago, FredLynn said:

We needed a solid #2 last year at the TD. That hasn't changed. Breslow apologized for not succeeding in meeting the needs of the team and the Boston sports writers were all over him for his abject failure, a failure that continues to this day. Gray is absolutely NOT the guy we need as a 2. He is fine if he is a 3-4 SP, but not in the role of a 2. As Moon wrote here this is likely the final SP roster and its again deficient. Its just the way the team operates-on the cheap.

I didn’t know it was moon that made that call.

I say it isn’t their last pitcher.  And if we both worked in the Sox FO, I would outrank moon.

For the record, it’s still November.  Lots and lots of things can happen between now and March…

 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

All Get Realists better remember this regime is counting on those whose Glass is Half-Fool. 

Fans pay for and sit in Fenway Park seats with views obstructed by poles in their face -- every year.

[Randy Red Sox]

4 minutes ago, notin said:

I didn’t know it was moon that made that call.

I say it isn’t their last pitcher.  And if we both worked in the Sox FO, I would outrank moon.

For the record, it’s still November.  Lots and lots of things can happen between now and March…

 

that last line has been stated for the past several years without fruition.

[FredLynn]

7 minutes ago, notin said:

I didn’t know it was moon that made that call.

I say it isn’t their last pitcher.  And if we both worked in the Sox FO, I would outrank moon.

For the record, it’s still November.  Lots and lots of things can happen between now and March…

 

And if it happens that the needs of the team are met (getting a solid #2 SP and a power hitting IF not named Bregman) then I will agree that Breslow is serious about going all in. Until then the team is not complete. And I agree: Gray isn't going to be their last pitcher signed. They will find some other rehabbing second rate guy to take a chance on, maybe a RP.

[harmony]

1 hour ago, notin said:

Ok what’s wrong with Bregman?

There are definite pros to signing Bregman, since the second tier 1b options are better than the second tier options at other INF positions.   He will also very likely cost more than Alonso or Schwarber, which should make all those fans who demand Henry soend more as happy…

As an aside, will Alex Bregman be another one-and-done at third base for the Red Sox?

In his age 31 season, Bregman posted 3.5 bWAR/3.5 fWAR in 114 games with the 2025 Red Sox.

In his age 31 season, Adrian Beltre posted 7.8 bWAR/6.4 fWAR in 154 games with the 2010 Red Sox.

Under his complicated contract, Bregman earned about $40 million this year while Beltre had a $9 million salary in 2010. After the 2010 season, Beltre signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

[notin]

5 minutes ago, harmony said:

As an aside, will Alex Bregman be another one-and-done at third base for the Red Sox?

In his age 31 season, Bregman posted 3.5 bWAR/3.5 fWAR in 114 games with the 2025 Red Sox.

In his age 31 season, Adrian Beltre posted 7.8 bWAR/6.4 fWAR in 154 games with the 2010 Red Sox.

Under his complicated contract, Bregman earned about $40 million this year while Beltre had a $9 million salary in 2010. After the 2010 season, Beltre signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

I think Bregman moves on.

Alonso will be cheaper than Bregman and a better fit than Schwarber.

The Sox will then get another INF for 2b or 3b and add another SO, most likely through trades involving Duran  and Bello…

[Old Red]

1 hour ago, mvp 78 said:

I don't have a problem with the rentals. Signing guys to rehab hasn't worked out so far (Paxton, Fulmer, Hendriks). 

I wonder if JH feels the same way seeing he shelled out $60M for Gio, and Buehler who didn’t pitch 2 full seasons for the Red Sox?🤔

[mvp 78]

1 hour ago, notin said:

So you’re not high on Sandoval?

He'll have more fWAR in one season than Pablo Sandoval did for his entire BOS career. 

[mvp 78]

7 minutes ago, Old Red said:

I wonder if JH feels the same way seeing he shelled out $60M for Gio, and Buehler who didn’t pitch 2 full seasons for the Red Sox?🤔

Giolito helped get him to the playoffs in year 2. If Brezzz is really spending near the 2nd line this offseason, it shows that JH is happy about getting to the playoffs. Part of the reason Bloom was fired was inaction at the deadline and several years of missed playoffs. I think October baseball helps JH's self esteem. 

[FredLynn]

From an article on this forum. Its spot on. Gray is OK, but he doesn't fill any of the major needs on this team: 

 

Gray profiles as a number three starter at this point in his career. In 2025, he posted a 4.28 ERA with a 26.7% strikeout rate and a 5% walk rate to go along with his 3.6 fWAR. He logged 180.2 innings over 32 games. That ERA is less than desirable and would have him ranked fourth on the Red Sox among starters who threw at least 20 games last season. 

 

 

[notin]

1 hour ago, mvp 78 said:

He'll have more fWAR in one season than Pablo Sandoval did for his entire BOS career. 

Not if fWAR stands for Weight Above Replacement…

[Randy Red Sox]

1 hour ago, notin said:

I think Bregman moves on.

Alonso will be cheaper than Bregman and a better fit than Schwarber.

The Sox will then get another INF for 2b or 3b and add another SO, most likely through trades involving Duran  and Bello…

they better not trade Bello

[notin]

Just now, Randy Red Sox said:

they better not trade Bello

It feels likely.  We shall see but I think they will to move on while dealing him for something useful…

[mvp 78]

19 minutes ago, Randy Red Sox said:

they better not trade Bello

He'll be turning 27 and we've seen a lot of mid rotation stuff from him over the past 3.5 years. I don't think he ever becomes anything more than a #3. If they move him, he's not a guy that all of a sudden is in the CY conversation. 

23-25 (200+ innings)

58th fWAR

127th k/9

112th bb/9

147th hr/9

84th ERA

83rd xFIP

Good, but not great pitcher. If you're using him to get a #2 starter or a true middle of the order bat, you should do it. 

[moonslav59]

18 hours ago, FredLynn said:

He surrendered over four runs per NINE INNINGS. I know what ERA means. And the other metrics-which are calculated based on some assumptions. ERA is based strictly on numbers, not calculations and assumptions.

FIP is based 100% on numbers. Numbers that do not involved the defense behind a pitcher.