(Boston) The Boston Red Sox acquired right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday for right-handed pitcher Richard Fitts and a prospect.
The Cardinals also sent $20 million to the Red Sox to help cover part of Gray’s salary.
The top scorer’s contract was also modified to allow him to get 41 million guaranteed. He will receive 31 million for next season and has an option that both clans can exercise, accompanied by a release clause of 10 million, for 2027.
Gray, 36, finished last season with a 14-8 record and a 4.28 ERA with the Cardinals. In 13 career seasons with five different teams, he has a cumulative record of 125-102 with a 3.58 ERA and three All-Star Game selections.
“We’ve been pretty transparent about our desire to add (a pitcher) to our rotation and our desire to add a bat,” Red Sox director of baseball operations Craig Breslow said during a conference call. I don’t think anyone wants to be in a position where they have several items left on the list and time is running out.
“But we feel good about what we have today.”
Fitts, a rookie who turns 26 next month, finished last season with a 2-4 record and 5.00 ERA with the Red Sox. The Cardinals will also have left-hander Brandon Clarke, a 22-year-old fifth-round pick who has only pitched at the A level.
“Richard Fitts has already started his career in the major leagues, and with his power and willingness to attack the strike zone, he has the ability to start games at the highest level for several years,” said Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, who previously held the same role with the Red Sox.
“Brandon Clarke is a left-handed prospect whose potential rivals any other minor league pitcher,” he added. Both players have the potential to be part of a young core for a long time. »
With David Skretta in Kansas City
