{
  "id": 17885102,
  "title": "Red Sox Should Consider Predicted $118M Pitcher if Sonny Gray Leaves in Free Agency",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/red-sox-should-consider-predicted-118m-pitcher-if-sonny-gray-leaves",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-03T01:10:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/red-sox-consider-predicted-118m-011001963.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Boston Red Sox are considering a potential $118 million pitcher in Michael King if they lose right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray in free agency. With few top-tier starting pitchers available on the market, the Red Sox must decide who will replace Gray. King is a Northeast native, having attended Northeastern University and played for the Yankees during his career, making him an ideal fit for the Red Sox. However, his contract situation presents challenges, as he is predicted to secure a four-year, $118 million deal. Despite his enjoyment of his time with the San Diego Padres, King is expected to opt out of the final two years of his contract to negotiate a long-term deal. His impressive 2021 season with the Padres, featuring a 3.21 ERA in 185 innings over 32 starts, has caught the attention of many teams. San Diego, in particular, stands to benefit from re-signing King, as he is considered their ace. Reports suggest that King may entertain offers from other teams, having had a standout postseason, and he is currently the top performer in the playoffs.",
  "summary": "This comes down to what the Red Sox need if Gray leaves.",
  "key_points": [
    "Boston Red Sox eye $118M pitcher Michael King.",
    "Sonny Gray expected to leave in free agency.",
    "King, a Northeast native, could replace Gray."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Targeting a high-priced veteran like Michael King signals Boston's intent to stabilize a rotation that faces significant instability if Sonny Gray departs during the upcoming free agency period.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}