New Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray sparks debate with comments about the Yankees
Updated December 2, 2025, 2:30 p.m. ET
The Boston Red Sox have acquired Sonny Gray, a pitcher with a reputation for speaking his mind. Gray's introduction to the team included a bold statement about the New York Yankees, his former rivals, and his new teammates.
In a virtual press conference, Gray expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Red Sox, saying, 'It feels good to go to a place where it's easy to hate the Yankees.' This comment has already caused a stir, especially among Yankees fans who remember Gray's struggles in the Bronx.
Gray's time with the Yankees was not a success. He spent two seasons with the team, posting a 4.51 ERA over 56 games, which was significantly worse than his career average of 3.58. This performance led to speculation that Gray might not thrive in the intense New York market.
However, Gray's career took a turn for the better after a trade to the Cincinnati Reds in 2019. He earned his second All-Star selection and continued to excel in Minnesota and St. Louis, where he signed a lucrative three-year contract.
The Red Sox acquired Gray in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, who were looking to rebuild. Gray's $35 million salary was partially covered by the trade, and there's a mutual option for 2027. This move is expected to intensify the long-standing rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees, especially with the teams meeting in the AL wild card series in October.
Gray's comments about the Yankees have sparked discussion, and his history with the team adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. With the first series against the Yankees at Fenway Park in April, fans can expect an emotional and competitive atmosphere. The question remains: will Gray's words fuel the rivalry or become a source of contention?
