Seattle — Sonny Gray, the Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher who holds a no-trade clause in the final guaranteed year of his contract, has indicated he would be open to discussing a trade if the team opts to sell before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Gray, who signed a three-year, $75 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals before the 2024 season, retained the ability to veto any trade involving him. This clause, negotiated as part of his contract, allows him to evaluate potential destinations rather than being moved without consent. Speaking about the possibility of a trade, Gray said he would consider conversations initiated by the Red Sox if the organization decided to pursue a rebuild or reshape its roster.

“If someone came to me from the Red Sox and made a decision that that’s the direction this team was going to go, I would be open for a conversation,” Gray said, leaving the door open for potential offseason moves.

Gray’s stance reflects his previous experience after the Cardinals’ offseason front-office changes. When St. Louis’s new baseball executive, Chaim Bloom—formerly with the Red Sox—approached him about a possible trade, Gray responded by providing a list of teams he would be willing to join, illustrating a collaborative approach to his career direction.

The right-hander currently holds a 3.12 earned run average (ERA) and a 1.18 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) for the season, marking him as a valuable trade asset. However, with his contract set to expire after this year unless a mutual option is exercised, the Red Sox could seek to acquire returns rather than lose him in free agency without compensation.

Atlanta may be among potential suitors, as the Braves are believed to be seeking rotation upgrades. Proximity to Nashville, where Gray resides during the offseason and where his family is based in-season, could influence his willingness to waive the no-trade clause, though Gray refrained from speculating on specific teams.

Beyond Gray, the Red Sox have several other players who might be available on the trade market. Pending free agents include Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Patrick Sandoval, both currently on the injured list, as well as relievers Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, and Danny Coulombe. Players under longer-term control, such as Willson Contreras—who also holds a no-trade clause—and outfielder Jarren Duran, could also be considered assets in a rebuilding or retooling effort.

Gray emphasized that holding veto power over trades is “an earned thing” that affords him control over his career trajectory. He added that any potential move “always starts with just a conversation,” signaling his openness to discussions should the Red Sox decide to explore trade opportunities before the deadline.