The Boston Red Sox’ starting pitcher Sonny Gray is officially entering free agency after his $30 million mutual option for the 2027 season was declined. The decision means that his stay with Boston is now set to come to an end after just one year, with the success he had in the previous season now likely to result in a more lucrative multi-year contract.

Gray is now set to receive a $10 million buyout and is officially a free agent, per a post on X by Tim Healey. The 36-year-old finished 18-5 with a 2.72 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 149 strikeouts across 169 innings in 29 starts. The 18 victories tied Gray with Philadelphia Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez for the most in MLB.

The mutual option was worth $30 million, but neither side appeared particularly interested in exercising it. Gray's departure from St. Louis last November proved beneficial for both the pitcher and Boston.

With the Cardinals beginning a rebuild, the veteran right-hander agreed to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a move to the Red Sox. He subsequently became an important part of Boston's rotation, particularly in the continued absence of Garrett Crochet.

Last season, Gray recorded a 6.7% walk rate, a 33.2% chase rate, and generated ground balls on 46.4% of balls in play. He also pitched at least six innings in 22 of his 29 starts, and is likely to generate interest from a number of teams in free agency.

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Now, Gray is set to enter his 15th MLB season and will turn 37 in November, which is likely to play a major factor in the impending negotiations. However, his 2026 production means that he is likely to receive substantial interest as a free agent.

The Red Sox are set to get a five-day exclusive negotiating window, with Gray one of the three players to enter free agency, alongside Patrick Sandoval and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.