Resetting Red Sox Starting Rotation After Stunning Sonny Gray Trade

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly made their first big move of the offseason, acquiring veteran starting pitcher Sonny Gray in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Going the other way is right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts and left-handed pitcher Brandon Clarke, who was ranked the team’s No. 5 overall prospect, per MLB.com.

Entering the offseason, the Sox made it clear they were looking for help in their starting rotation, and while Gray wasn’t exactly believed to be their top target, he will come in and help replace Lucas Giolito, who appears set to depart in free agency. With Gray on board now, let’s reset Boston’s starting rotation and see what the group looks like.

Garrett Crochet

The most recent blockbuster trade the Red Sox made saw them acquire Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox last offseason. In his first season with Boston, Crochet proved himself to be one of the top starters in the majors, as he posted an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA and a league-leading 255 strikeouts.

Sonny Gray

Whether or not Boston will acquire more starting pitching help this offseason remains to be seen, but as of right now, the three-time All-Star is penciled in as the team’s No. 2 starter. The 36-year-old Gray has long been a solid starter, but the Sox will be hoping he can bounce back after he struggled a bit in 2025 (14-8, 4.28 ERA, 201 K, 1.23 WHIP).

Brayan Bello

With a more clearly defined role in 2025, Brayan Bello settled in as a key starter for the Red Sox last season. After a bit of a slow start, Bello found his stride in the second half of the season and formed a potent trio with Crochet and Giolito. In 29 outings (28 starts), Bello had an 11-9 record with a career-best 3.35 ERA and 124 strikeouts.

Patrick Sandoval

The final two spots in the Red Sox’s starting rotation are still up for grabs. Payton Tolle, Connelly Early and Kyle Harrison will factor into the mix in Spring Training, but Patrick Sandoval could have the inside edge given his major league experience. Sandoval didn’t pitch at all in 2025, as he continued to recover from a UCL injury he suffered in 2024.

Kutter Crawford

Another guy who did not take the mound in 2025, but could factor into the team’s starting rotation, is Kutter Crawford. A slew of injuries kept him out the entire year, but Crawford was effective as a starter in 2024, as he made a league-high 33 starts, posting a 4.36 ERA and 175 strikeouts.