Boston Red Sox starter Sonny Gray has emerged as an appealing trade candidate for the Toronto Blue Jays as his trade value has inevitably continued to climb following his masterful performance against the New York Yankees on Sunday night. 

Gray flirted with a no-hit bid that ended in the eighth inning with a single from Amed Rosario. The Red Sox went on to beat the Yankees, 5-4, with a walk-off victory in the 10th inning. Gray only allowed one hit and also struck out nine. 

With the way the Blue Jays' starting rotation has crumbled with injuries and performance struggles, Gray would be a suitable fit that would help fill their need for starting pitching ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline. The Blue Jays have lost six in a row but still have a chance to contend with the way the AL has performed this season. 

Despite losing the no-hitter, Gray's masterful performance is clear sign that the Blue Jays should strongly pursue the 36-year-old veteran. On the season, he is boasting a 9-1 record and 2.69 ERA with 75 strikeouts. With Gray becoming the seventh active pitcher to record a career 2,000 strikeouts and 2,000+ innings pitched, the Blue Jays should capitalize on his value while he remains a hot commodity. 

Why Sonny Gray is a suitable fit for the Blue Jays 

Gray is banking $31 million this season and has a remaining financial commitment of a $10 million buyout on a 2027 mutual option. Despite Gray's age, he still has the competitive drive that the Blue Jays would relish to have in their starting rotation. 

Nothing screams clutch like dominating on the mound against your former team (Yankees) and that's exactly what Gray accomplished on "Sunday Night Baseball." The Blue Jays would benefit from adding Gray, who would provide their rotation with a reliable veteran presence. He would stabilize the rotation and help them to make a push in a competitive AL East division. 

In his previous start on June 23, Gray was stellar, pitching seven innings, allowing one earned run with 11 strikeouts (season-high) and three walks against the Colorado Rockies. Gray has also maintained a solid 6.2% walk-rate this season that ranks in the 83rd percentile, which has added to his solid command on the mound.

As a pitcher who limits walks and hard contact and provides durability, this is exactly the type of pitcher whom the Blue Jays need if they want to be serious contenders.

Two of the top arms likely available at the trade deadline did their thing today.

Ray: 8.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Gray: 7.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K

Where will they end up? pic.twitter.com/hJIDxeYEKr

Blue Jays' recent stretch of struggles could lead to change

The Blue Jays have had struggles with their starters pitching deep in games while also lacking the ability to limit the long ball. Meanwhile, Gray has only given up nine home runs this season, with 0.97 home runs given up per nine innings. 

To make matters worse for the Blue Jays, their first-inning woes have been a significant concern as they were unable to escape the first inning in every game in the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers series without giving up a run. 

Earlier this season, Gray suffered a right-hamstring injury that had him sidelined on the 15-day IL on April 20. Prior to landing on the shelf, across five games and 23 innings pitched, he held a 4.30 ERA with 13 strikeouts. 

Since his return from the IL on May 6 across 10 games, he has logged a stellar 2.08 ERA with 62 strikeouts. The Red Sox are also 8-2 in those 10 starts. All the more reason for the Blue Jays to strongly pursue Gray whose value remains hot. 

With the Red Sox heavily geared towards being sellers at the trade deadline, Gray is a compelling trade candidate for the Blue Jays, who have several top prospects who could be dealt to upgrade their rotation.