Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Heaps Praise On Sonny Gray’s Leadership

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora is already impressed with veteran right-hander Sonny Gray.

The Red Sox traded for Gray this offseason to add more depth to their rotation and add some veteran presence. Gray is a three-time All-Star, and although he’s not the elite pitcher he once was, he’s still a very good starter who will play a key role for Boston.

With the Red Sox’s spring training underway, Cora is already impressed with Gray’s leadership and taking players under his wing.

“This guy is locked into his craft,” Cora said, via MLB.com on Thursday. “A lot of communication. It’s been impressive so far, not only with us, but with his peers. There’s a reason he’s pitched so long in the big leagues, and he’s been successful.

“First of all, taking care of his body, and second, just the knowledge. So a good addition to a group that needed somebody like that. We’ve got Garrett (Crochet) and (Aroldis Chapman), but not too much experience in that clubhouse, and having him is going to be a plus for everybody here.”

Gray is likely to be Boston’s third starter, behind Crochet and Ranger Suarez. Although he’s taken over a leadership role, Gray is focused on doing whatever he can to help the Red Sox win a World Series.

“I want to get my work in, I want to have a great time,” Gray added. “I want to have fun, I want to compete, I want to win.”

Gray went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA in 32 starts last season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Red Sox will open their 2026 MLB season on March 26 against the Cincinnati Reds.