The Atlanta Braves are projected to pursue a short-term deal with free-agent right-hander Sonny Gray this offseason after their rotation depth proved insufficient in a National League Division Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB Trade Rumors analyst Steve Adams predicted the Braves will sign the three-time All-Star to a two-year contract worth $55 million. Gray, 36, becomes a free agent after declining his side of a $30 million mutual option with the Boston Red Sox, receiving a $10 million buyout.
Gray went 18-5 with a 2.72 ERA in 29 starts and 169 innings for Boston in 2026. He led the majors in wins, posted a 1.15 WHIP and struck out 149 batters. Those marks represented career highs in wins and a full-season ERA.
The Braves reached the postseason but fell to the Dodgers in the NLDS. Injuries limited their trusted starters, leaving them reliant on Chris Sale and deadline acquisition Tyler Mahle in key moments. The front office has identified the rotation as a primary need heading into the winter.
Adams wrote that Gray’s age will limit him to a short-term deal.
“Gray has a big-game reputation, and virtually any club in the game is going to consider him a viable playoff starter — if not a potential Game 1 option. His age is going to cap him at two years, and it’s possible he’ll take a one-year deal — or two with an opt-out — because he’s been vocal since the season ended about contemplating retirement in order to spend more time with his young family,” Adams wrote.
“Gray has stated that he plans to pitch in 2027 but hasn’t committed beyond that, and he’s added that whenever his family decides it’s time for him to become a full-time dad, he’ll do that “in a heartbeat” without a second thought. We’re opting to predict what Gray could earn if he’s willing to commit to two more years in one fell swoop, but a one-year deal in the $25-30MM range is also possible.”
Gray has confirmed he intends to pitch in 2027.
“My family and I have talked about it and it’s an easy decision,” Gray said in a text message to The Boston Globe. “I still want to win a World Series, whether that is [with] Boston or with whoever wants me.”
Atlanta has previously been linked to Gray due to the city’s proximity to his Nashville home. The Braves are viewed as a clear contender, and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has favored short-term free-agent investments that avoid long-term salary commitments.
Pairing Gray with Sale could provide the Braves with two experienced arms capable of handling postseason starts. Sale posted a 2.16 ERA with 200 strikeouts in 162 2/3 innings in 2026 and remains the staff’s top option.
The Braves’ current internal rotation options include Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder, with questions surrounding the health of Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach. Those uncertainties contributed to the team’s limited options against the Dodgers.
Gray spent the previous two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to Boston. He has appeared in the postseason for multiple clubs but has never won a World Series.
A one-year deal in the $25-30 million range remains possible if Gray prioritizes flexibility. Adams noted that Gray has not ruled out retirement after the 2027 season.
The Braves finished the regular season 94-68 and first in the NL East. Their playoff exit highlighted the need for additional durable starting pitching to compete with teams like the Dodgers, who feature a deeper rotation.
Anthopoulos has prioritized win-now moves while protecting the team’s long-term flexibility. Gray’s preference for East Coast or Southeast locations could further align with Atlanta’s interest.
The free-agent market opens with Gray available immediately. Multiple contenders are expected to pursue the right-hander given his recent performance and playoff experience.
The Braves have not announced any free-agent signings yet. Their offseason focus remains on addressing pitching depth after the NLDS exit.
