In his 14th season as a big leaguer and his first with the Boston Red Sox, Sonny Gray had arguably his best season.
Gray posted a 2.72 ERA in 29 starts and threw 169 innings. He struck out 149 batters and was a dominant force for the team all season. However, the 36-year-old noted during the season that if his family wanted him to retire and be at home, he would hang up his cleats in a heartbeat.
The Red Sox's season ended earlier than he would have liked, and he had a decision to make.
“My family and I have talked about it and it’s an easy decision,” Gray said in a text, per the Boston Globe's Alex Speier. “I still want to win a World Series, whether that is (with) Boston or with whoever wants me.”
Gray has a $30 million mutual option for next season, which in all likelihood will be declined. The Red Sox could still want him back, but things did not end on the best note. Much was made of Chad Tracy pulling him early in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series, but Tracy has said the two have already talked and Gray has had nothing but nice things to say about Boston.
Gray has avoided major elbow surgery in his career and has been a reliable starter throughout his career. Many teams will be interested in bringing him on, but it will depend on what type of deal he wants. With the possibility of retirement looming after every season, teams may prefer to give him a one-year deal.