Speaking at spring training on Thursday afternoon, new Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray spoke highly of his new starting rotation, saying that he thinks this group is as good as any one that he’s ever been a part of.

Gray, acquired this offseason from the St. Louis Cardinals, figures to pair with Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Johan Oviedo and Ranger Suarez in the rotation. If anyone gets hurt or are there any changes, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, Patrick Sandoval and Kutter Crawford are all waiting for an opportunity. Each of them present their own unique reasons for excitement if they are called on.

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With regards to Crochet, Gray said that he doesn’t think there’s any reason to put a ceiling on what he can do. Crochet finished second in the American League in Cy Young voting a season ago, behind only Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers.

I don’t think there’s a ceiling for him. He can be, and has been, the best pitcher in baseball.”

A 13-year veteran of the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, and Cardinals, Gray is now 36 years old. He’s gone 125-102 for his career, earning three All-Star appearances.

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He finished second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2023 with the Twins.

Last season, Gray went 14-8 for St. Louis with a 4.28 ERA. He’s made 28 starts or more in each of the last three seasons. He features an excellent sinker and is the best pitcher in the league when it comes to spinning the ball. He should provide the Red Sox with stability and durability in the rotation.

It should be noted that both Suarez (Venezuela) and Bello (Dominican Republic) are heading to the World Baseball Classic, which begins March 5. The Red Sox are sending several players to the WBC, including Garrett Whitlock (Team USA), Jarren Duran (Mexico), Masataka Yoshida (Japan), Wilyer Abreu (Venezuela), Ceddanne Rafaela (Netherlands) and Nate Eaton (Great Britain).

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–As noted by Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald, Bello is now throwing a curveball, which will pair with his fastball, sinker, slider and changeup.

–The Red Sox television schedule is out for spring training. NESN will carry 24 games across Grapefruit League play. The first broadcast will be Saturday, Feb. 21 as the Red play the Minnesota Twins, who also have camp in Fort Myers.

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