Yankees: Sonny Gray is the forgotten X-Factor

When the Yankees acquired Sonny Gray from the A’s during last year’s trade deadline the hope was that they were getting an ace-caliber pitcher who could help them win a championship.

Unfortunately, things didn’t work out that way but the Yankees came pretty close after falling one win shy of making it to the World Series. Gray played a part in helping the team make it that far, but still, there was something left to be desired with his performance.

During his first season with the Yanks, he went 4-7 with a 3.72 ERA and in two postseason starts he was 0-1 with a 4.32 ERA. Not terrible numbers, but the organization and the fans expect more out of Gray and I’m sure he expects more out of himself.

This year I think Gray is one of the forgotten X-factors on this Yankees team and if he can pitch at the elite level he has in the past he could be the piece that puts them over the top. It wasn’t long ago when Gray was an All-Star with the A’s in 2015 and finished third for the Cy Young. In 2016 injuries contributed to what was a down season, but last year he showed signs of returning to his peak form which led to his trade to New York.

Will Sonny step up in 2018?

As he enters his first full season in pinstripes Gray should be more comfortable now that he’s over the adjustment period that comes with being traded. He’ll be used to handling the pressures of pitching in New York where every single start is magnified because of the team’s World Series or bust expectations.

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Getting off to a good start and pitching in rhythm will be big for Gray because last year he really labored during his starts. Run support will be key as well given the lack thereof that plagued him during his time in Oakland and surprisingly continued with the Yanks. This season he’ll be backed by arguably the best offense in baseball so one would think that he’ll be pitching with a lead much more often.

Gray will also need to be on the same page with catcher Gary Sanchez. Last season there was a lot of passed balls and wild pitches when Sanchez was his backstop and that led to Austin Romine catching him down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Gray isn’t someone who is totally overpowering but every pitch he throws has movement which is why he’s just as tough to catch as he is to hit. Yankee killer David Ortiz confirmed that when he named Gray one of the five toughest pitchers he’s ever faced in a piece he wrote for the Player’s Tribune back in 2015.

In Gray, Sevy, Tanaka, CC and Jordan Montgomery the Yankees have a pretty solid starting rotation. It’s a rotation that I believe has a chance to be one of the best in baseball as long as Gray can be the game changer they thought they traded for.

Next: Ellsbury to start the season on the DL

Although Sevy is now considered the new ace of the staff that doesn’t mean the Yankees can’t have more than one. When he’s at his best Gray can be that second ace and if this team wants to reach their championship goals he needs to step up and be just that.