Sonny Gray is a free agent, and the Boston Red Sox may need to replace him.
There is no shortage of pitchers on the open market, but there is a shortage of quality ones. Tarik Skubal, Michael King and Freddy Peralta are the best options, but there is a falloff after that. Bleacher Report predicted the Red Sox would sign Casey Mize to replace Gray.
"Mize could replace Sonny Gray in Boston's rotation on a one-year commitment," wrote Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly. "If he stays healthy and pitches well, he could be a qualifying-offer candidate next year."
Mize had a 4.23 ERA last season and has a lengthy injury history. He had Tommy John surgery in 2022. He has also had a procedure done on his back. Last season, he had an adductor strain and an ankle sprain that required stints on the injured list.
Mize was one of the most sought-after players at the trade deadline, posting a 2.70 ERA in 16 starts with the Detroit Tigers. The Padres got him, but he had a 7.46 ERA with them.
He did not pitch in the postseason, and certainly cost himself some money. However, Kelly predicted he would sign a one-year, $14 million deal to join the Red Sox. That type of deal is not very risky for the Red Sox, and he could be a solid No. 5 starter.
Garrett Crochet, Payton Tolle, Ranger Suarez and Jake Bennett should make for a solid top four, and Mize could slot in as No. 5. He has been an All-Star in the past, and the hope would be that he can return to that form for the Red Sox.