When information first broke that Sonny Grey had been acquired by the Crimson Sox, a few issues instantly jumped out.
One, he strikes lots of people out. Two, he’s considerably minimize down on walks over the course of his profession, and final season his 5% stroll price ranked among the many greatest in MLB.
Most individuals would think about that an incredible mixture, however talking to reporters Tuesday the 36-year-old stated he believes he nonetheless has room to develop and adapt, and a part of which may imply permitting a couple of extra walks on occasion.
“I spin the ball higher than anybody in baseball, that’s a reality. I nonetheless have sufficient velo to permit that to play, that’s a reality. I can take my fastball and go each methods with it simply pretty much as good as anybody,” Grey stated. “I nonetheless get my strikeouts, my stroll price has drastically declined and I’ll argue some would say that’s nice, I’d argue there’s some give and take there, perhaps a couple of extra walks could possibly be higher, a couple of extra walks, a couple of much less hits, a couple of much less homers, a bit bit much less harm.
“That’s one thing I’d like to get into, conditions the place walks are okay,” Grey continued. “It’s alright to stroll a man proper right here somewhat than giving up a double or harm or throwing a pitch that would probably result in harm.”
House runs have grow to be extra of an issue for Grey since he completed second within the American League Cy Younger vote again in 2023. That season he posted a 2.79 ERA with solely eight residence runs allowed, however since then he’s posted a 3.84 ERA with 21 residence runs in 2024 and final yr he had a 4.28 ERA with a career-high 25 homers.
“Walks down, strikeouts up, harm up, homers up,” Grey stated. “Homers are a run so there’s a strategy to get again to limiting harm, punching out individuals and the walks could go up a bit bit with it, and that might be okay.”
Grey stated among the many causes he’s excited to affix the Crimson Sox is that he believes he’s philosophically aligned with the membership’s pitching coaches and the best way they train spin. He stated he plans to satisfy with Andrew Bailey on Thursday, and even after 13 years within the majors he’s assured the membership will help him attain a fair larger degree.
“I’d like to proceed to be taught, proceed to develop and proceed to develop,” Grey stated. “As a result of I do know there’s extra left in there for me.”
