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Gray's 11-K Win Sparks Blue Jays Trade Interest

6/26/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sonny Gray struck out 11 Rockies in a seven-inning start on June 22, earning Boston a 3-2 win in Denver.
He entered with a 2.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and a 9-1 record.
Gray said on June 21 he would waive his no-trade clause if a team approached Boston.
Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins is reported to target Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman and also consider Gray.

History

Historical Context

After owners and the MLB Players Association walked out on August 12 1994, the strike canceled the World Series and lasted 232 days, ending in April 1995. The shutdown forced Commissioner Bud Selig to renegotiate contracts, while teams like the Boston Red Sox faced payroll pressures. That labor turmoil set a precedent for today’s trade-deadline strategies, such as the Blue Jays’ pursuit of high-impact pitchers.

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Story summary

Sonny Gray struck out 11 Rockies in a seven-inning start on June 22, earning Boston a 3-2 win in Denver.
He entered with a 2.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and a 9-1 record.
Gray said on June 21 he would waive his no-trade clause if a team approached Boston.
Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins is reported to target Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman and also consider Gray.

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