Sonny Gray's Distaste for the Yankees Was a Factor in His Trade Decision.
In an interview with MLB Network’s Hot Stove, former New York Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray made it clear that his distaste for the team was a significant factor in his decision to join the Boston Red Sox. Gray stated that he had never wanted to be in New York and that it wasn’t a good situation for him or his family.
Gray's time with the Yankees, particularly during his stint from 2017 to 2018, saw him post a 3.72 ERA and a 4.90 ERA respectively, although these numbers were not quite at par with his earlier seasons. Despite this, it seems Gray was already aware that he might not be suited for life in the Big Apple.
When asked about what influenced his decision to join Boston, Gray bluntly stated, “It feels good to me to go to a place now where you know what, it’s easy to hate the Yankees.” This suggests that Gray had developed a strong dislike for the team during his time with them and welcomed the prospect of being seen as an enemy by their fans.
Gray's comments highlight the significant role that personal factors can play in shaping career decisions. In this case, Gray has made it clear that he values being able to be himself without any pressure or expectations from a fanbase. As he embarks on his new journey with the Red Sox, it remains to be seen whether he will be successful and find redemption for his time with the Yankees.
The Red Sox have high hopes for Gray as they look to bolster their pitching staff and make a deep playoff run in 2026. With his newfound distaste for the Yankees now fueling his performance on the mound, Gray is ready to prove himself and gain Boston fans' respect.
In an interview with MLB Network’s Hot Stove, former New York Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray made it clear that his distaste for the team was a significant factor in his decision to join the Boston Red Sox. Gray stated that he had never wanted to be in New York and that it wasn’t a good situation for him or his family.
Gray's time with the Yankees, particularly during his stint from 2017 to 2018, saw him post a 3.72 ERA and a 4.90 ERA respectively, although these numbers were not quite at par with his earlier seasons. Despite this, it seems Gray was already aware that he might not be suited for life in the Big Apple.
When asked about what influenced his decision to join Boston, Gray bluntly stated, “It feels good to me to go to a place now where you know what, it’s easy to hate the Yankees.” This suggests that Gray had developed a strong dislike for the team during his time with them and welcomed the prospect of being seen as an enemy by their fans.
Gray's comments highlight the significant role that personal factors can play in shaping career decisions. In this case, Gray has made it clear that he values being able to be himself without any pressure or expectations from a fanbase. As he embarks on his new journey with the Red Sox, it remains to be seen whether he will be successful and find redemption for his time with the Yankees.
The Red Sox have high hopes for Gray as they look to bolster their pitching staff and make a deep playoff run in 2026. With his newfound distaste for the Yankees now fueling his performance on the mound, Gray is ready to prove himself and gain Boston fans' respect.
. Like, I'm sure Gray loved playing baseball and wanting to win championships, but the drama around being a Yankee might've gotten to him after a while. It's not like he didn't have skills or talent, but sometimes it's just about finding a place where you feel comfortable and supported 
... and if that means hating the Yankees along with everyone else 
.
. Like, I get it, he was super unhappy with the Yankees, but does being an "enemy" for their fans really justify ditching one team for another? 
. And what's up with him saying it feels good to hate the Yanks? That seems kinda petty 
. I wish him luck in Boston, but I'm not convinced he'll find redemption 
.
I'm not surprised Sonny Gray had a beef with the Yankees 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to escape that intense pressure cooker after a stint like his? 
He was never going to be comfortable in NY, and it's good he found a team where he can just vibe out and do his thing 
. His ERA numbers weren't exactly fire 
, but sometimes you gotta sacrifice some stats for your mental health 
.
!
. I'd hate living in a city where everyone knows your name (especially if you're a baseball player) 
. Boston's a great team with some amazing fans, so I'm rooting for him to make it work 
. Can't wait to see what he brings to the table this season! 
️ #TeamRedSox #SonnyGray #MLB
but i feel him, gotta be true to ur self u know? doesn't mean he cant still crush it on the mound tho 
. If you're not comfortable with who you are or where you are, it's gonna be a tough road ahead. Gray might've been in denial for years, but now he's owning up to his feelings and taking control of his career 
I mean, fair enough, who wouldn't want to be seen as an enemy by a bunch of passionate fans? But seriously, it's cool that he's being true to himself and not feeling pressured. Maybe this is the break he needs to get back on track with those ERA numbers... 3.72 and 4.90? Not bad for a guy who didn't wanna be in NYC 
.
I don't know how many times we have to repeat this... just because Sonny Gray said he doesn't like it in New York doesn't mean that's a good reason to leave!