While there is no direct quote of Rafael Devers “firing back” at Sonny Gray, the star third baseman has been a key component in the massive shift in clubhouse energy that Gray’s comments have created.
Gray’s initial remarks—stating that he “never wanted to go” to the Yankees and that he was glad to be in a place where “it’s easy to hate the Yankees”—have become the rallying cry that is reigniting baseball’s hottest rivalry.
The Clubhouse Buzz: Unity and Approval
The Red Sox clubhouse is reportedly buzzing with approval over Gray’s unapologetic stance, a move that provides instant leadership and anti-Yankee fuel:
- Veteran Approval: Current Red Sox players, including catcher Connor Wong and pitcher Payton Tolle, publicly expressed their excitement over Gray’s comments, with Wong stating, “Obviously you love that. I think growing up for me personally I wasn’t a huge fan of theirs, so I love that out of him and very excited to have him.”
- Devers’ Unspoken Approval: Devers, known for his laid-back demeanor but fiery competitiveness, has been silent on the specific quote. However, as the team’s undisputed superstar and most visible player, his silence is interpreted as approval. He and the rest of the team will use Gray’s statement as motivation and a unifying force heading into Spring Training.
- The Shared History: Devers has his own memorable history with Gray. Back in 2018, Devers became the youngest player in the rivalry’s history to hit a grand slam—and he hit it off of Sonny Gray at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees ghost that Gray speaks of is a reality the new Red Sox are happy to confront.
The True “Fire Back”
The real “fire back” from Devers and the Red Sox won’t be in a quote; it will be on the field during the 2026 season’s first series at Fenway Park (scheduled for late April).
The rivalry was becoming stale, but Gray’s bitterness toward his former club and the subsequent Red Sox players’ approval have added a necessary personal, antagonistic edge that the fans and the league have craved.
