BOSTON -- The Red Sox struck early in this Hot Stove season by filling a big need for the starting rotation with the acquisition of veteran righty Sonny Gray from the Cardinals.

As always, a significant move like that leaves questions. With that in mind, it seemed like the appropriate time to answer a few.

Does the trade for Gray mean the Sox won’t get another starter?

Not necessarily. Keep in mind that in making this trade, the Red Sox didn’t make a huge financial expenditure. With the Cardinals throwing in $20 million, Boston will be on the hook for roughly $20 million in total, divided between Gray’s $31 million salary for 2026 and the $10 million buyout of his mutual option for '27. If Gray pitches like he has the last couple of years, one year at $20 million of club money is a

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