Blue Jays, Sonny Gray Report Would Be a Major Blow to Boston’s AL East Hopes
Gray’s uncertain Boston future
Gray is a free agent after spending one season with Boston, where he pitched exceptionally well and became popular with fans. The Red Sox have substantial pitching depth and may not feel compelled to make a major effort to keep him.
Much of the offseason discussion has pointed to Gray leaving. The Atlanta Braves have been mentioned as one possible destination, though the article says a move there would pose limited regular-season concern for Boston because Atlanta plays in the National League.
Toronto enters the discussion
The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon identified Toronto as a potentially more troubling destination for Boston. Bannon reported that the Blue Jays’ leading focus remains offense, while any pitching addition would be expected to offer more than innings from the back of the rotation.
Bannon named Trevor Rogers and Gray as possibilities, alongside other pitchers discussed as potential targets. He wrote that Toronto has some interest in Freddy Peralta, but that Peralta does not appear as high on its list as other options.
A division rival’s rotation needs
Toronto finished 79-83 in 2026, with injuries leaving its rotation in poor shape for much of the season. The previous year, the Blue Jays came close to beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series but fell short by a few outs.
If Gray joined Toronto, Boston would face him regularly in the AL East, and the move could make the Blue Jays a greater threat. The article frames that possibility as a particularly painful outcome for Red Sox fans, given Gray’s performance and standing with Boston supporters.
Key points
- Sonny Gray is a free agent after an excellent 2026 season with Boston.
- The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon named Gray as a possible Blue Jays target.
- Toronto’s rotation was battered by injuries during its 79-83 season in 2026.
- A move to Toronto could make Gray a more immediate division rival for Boston.