Gray plans to pitch in 2027, with a Red Sox return still open

Sonny Gray plans to keep pitching in 2027. His next team remains undecided.

The 36-year-old told The Boston Globe's Alex Speier that he and his family had decided against retirement, and that he would consider returning to Boston. MLB.com and Sportsnet reported the decision after Gray had left his future open following the Red Sox's elimination from the American League Wild Card Series.

Gray has a mutual option for next season. If either side declines it, he would become a free agent. His willingness to return gives Boston a possible route to keep him, but neither the option decision nor a new contract has been announced.

Boston acquired Gray from St. Louis before the 2026 season. He then went 18-5 with a 2.72 ERA in 29 starts, pitching 169 innings. His 18 wins led the majors, according to MLB.com's account of the season, and Sportsnet described the year as one of the best of his career.

The finish was more difficult. In Game 2 against the Yankees, Gray was removed after 4 2/3 innings with two runners aboard. He was charged with two runs and struck out five. Afterward, he expressed frustration with being taken out while he felt capable of continuing.

Manager Chad Tracy addressed that decision in his season-ending press conference. MLB.com reported that Tracy took responsibility for the move and said his working relationship with Gray remained intact. The pitcher wanting to stay in an elimination game and the manager choosing a reliever became part of Boston's immediate postseason discussion.

Saturday's report separates Gray's decision to continue his career from the negotiations still ahead. A return would begin his 15th major league season. Boston was his sixth team, following Oakland, the Yankees, Cincinnati, Minnesota and St. Louis.

For the Red Sox, the question is now whether the two sides can agree on another season after a productive first year together. Gray has indicated that he still wants to pursue a World Series. Boston is one possible destination; his comments do not establish a reunion.