Sonny Gray Bombshell: Ex-Yankee’s Agent Told Him to Lie for Trade, Cashman Claims

A shocking story has rocked the baseball world. Former New York Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray reportedly never wanted to play in the Bronx. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman revealed the explosive details this week.

FILE – St. Louis Cardinals’ Sonny Gray pitches to a San Francisco Giants batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Sept. 24, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, file)

Cashman claims Gray’s agent instructed him to lie. This was to avoid hurting his future free agency value. The revelation came after Gray’s recent trade to the Boston Red Sox.

Cashman’s Confrontation with a Reluctant Star

According to the Associated Press, Cashman recalled a pivotal meeting. It happened after trading for Gray in 2017. The pitcher was in the office of a team performance director.

Gray confessed he hated New York City. He said he spent entire days in his hotel room. Cashman was stunned by the admission.

The GM reminded Gray he had publicly wanted the trade. Gray then blamed his agent, Bo McKinnis. He said his agent told him to lie to boost his market.

“Nothing I can do about it now,” Cashman said he told Gray. He wished he had known the truth before the trade. The Yankees moved Gray to Cincinnati the following winter.

A Web of Contradictory Messages

The story gets more complicated. Before the 2017 trade deadline, Gray actively campaigned to join the Yankees. Cashman said multiple people relayed Gray’s desire to come to New York.

This included a minor league video coordinator. That person had attended Vanderbilt University with Gray. The message was clear: “Get me over.”

This directly contradicted Gray’s later claims of hating the idea. His performance in New York suffered, posting a 4.90 ERA in 2018. The relationship was doomed from the start, it seems.

The Sonny Gray trade saga exposes the complex pressures behind MLB deals. It highlights a stark divide between a player’s private wishes and public professional strategy.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Sonny Gray dislike New York?

Gray told Brian Cashman he hated the city. He reportedly spent all day in his hotel room. The pitcher never adjusted to life or baseball in the Bronx.

How did Brian Cashman find out?

Cashman learned the truth in a private meeting after the trade. Gray confessed his feelings directly. The pitcher admitted his agent advised him to falsely express interest.

What did the Yankees trade for Sonny Gray?

New York sent three prospects to Oakland in 2017. The package included outfielder Dustin Fowler and pitchers James Kaprielian and Jorge Mateo. The deal was considered a major move at the time.

Did any Yankees support Gray?

Yes. Despite Gray’s struggles, teammate CC Sabathia vouched for him. Sabathia told the New York Post that Gray’s stuff was still good. He believed Gray could return as a top pitcher.

Where is Sonny Gray now?

Gray was traded from the Yankees to Cincinnati after 2018. He later pitched for Minnesota. He was recently traded to the Boston Red Sox, a key Yankees rival.