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The Red Sox are in freefall mode. Perhaps if they continue to struggle, it will lead to them parting ways with a veteran pitcher.

It has been an extremely disappointing season for the Boston Red Sox so far. At the time of this writing, the Red Sox have a 17-23 record and are at the bottom of the American League East standings. When noting that the Red Sox entered the season with high expectations, there is no question that they are underperforming in a major way.

If the Red Sox are unable to go on a major heater from here and do not climb up the standings, there is a good chance that they will end up being sellers. This would be very disappointing after they made the playoffs for the first time since 2021 last year.

If the Red Sox do decide to be sellers this campaign, they will have some interesting trade chips to dangle. Because of this, one of their top pitchers is now entering the rumor mill as a potential trade candidate.

Red Sox’s Sonny Gray Named Potential Trade Candidate to Watch This Season

In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Tim Kelly took a look at a handful of surprising trade candidates during the early stages of the 2026 season. Among the players who were labeled as trade candidates by Kelly was Red Sox star pitcher Sonny Gray.

“Contending teams are always in need of starting pitching, though. If Gray—who is in the final guaranteed season of a three-year, $75 million contract—becomes available, he’ll garner interest,” Kelly wrote.

It is not too difficult to understand why Gray is creating chatter as a trade candidate. With Gray being in the final season of his contract, it would be understandable if the Red Sox moved him if they continue to struggle. This is especially so when noting that Gray would have the potential to get them a strong return in a potential trade.

Despite the Red Sox having an ugly start to the season, Gray has been solid early on this campaign. In six appearances so far this season with the Red Sox, the 5-foot-10 righty has a 3-1 record, a 3.54 ERA, and 15 strikeouts. If he keeps this kind of pitching up, it would only increase his trade value once we get closer to the trade deadline.

With Gray still being an impactful starting pitcher at this stage in his career and having a strong resume, he would be an excellent pickup for contenders looking to boost their rotations. Therefore, the three-time All-Star could very well be a trade candidate to watch this campaign.

Who Else Could the Red Sox Trade Besides Gray?

Gray is not the only potential trade candidate to keep an eye on this season from the Red Sox if they do not turn things around. Other players like Jarren Duran, Aroldis Chapman, Willson Contreras, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa all have the potential to be dealt this campaign as well.

It is going to be interesting to see what kind of moves the Red Sox make this season from here. With the way their season is trending, Gray could very well be on the move.