Jon Gray

Jonathan Charles "Jon" Gray was born on November 5, 1991, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Attending Chandler High School in Chandler, Oklahoma, Gray played baseball, basketball, and football for the Lions, focusing on baseball his senior year.{{cite web |last=Mitrosilis |first=Teddy |date=January 1, 2008 |title=Oklahoma's Jonathan Gray has climbed MLB draft boards this spring – college baseball |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/9184897/oklahoma-jonathan-gray-climbed-mlb-draft-boards-spring-college-baseball |access-date=April 19, 2013 |website=ESPN}} That year, he was named the Little All-City Player of the Year by The Oklahoman and was named to the All-State Team.

File:Jonathan Gray (8965118076) (cropped).jpg in 2013]]

The Kansas City Royals selected Gray in the 13th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, but he did not sign. Oklahoma Sooners baseball coach Sunny Golloway encouraged Gray to enroll at Eastern Oklahoma State College, a junior college in Wilburton, Oklahoma, where he could continue to gain experience as a starting pitcher, as he would be used as a relief pitcher if he were to join the Sooners that season.

For Eastern Oklahoma, Gray pitched to a 6–2 win–loss record and a 2.89 earned run average (ERA).{{cite magazine |date=June 12, 2013 |title=Rockies sign 2013 No. 3 overall pick Jonathan Gray |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2013/06/13/colorado-rockies-jonathan-gray-mlb-draft |access-date=March 19, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} The New York Yankees drafted him in the 10th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and offered him $500,000 to sign, but he instead opted to transfer to the University of Oklahoma.{{cite web |last=Heyman |first=Jon |date=June 11, 2008 |title=No Gray area: 100-mph-throwing Sooner Jonathan Gray hot prospect |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/no-gray-area-100-mph-throwing-sooner-jonathan-gray-hot-prospect/ |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}} In his sophomore year at Oklahoma, Gray compiled a 3.16 ERA and 104 strikeouts in {{frac|102|2|3}} innings pitched.

As a junior, Gray was named the Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week three times.{{cite web |date=April 3, 2013 |title=OU's Gray earns Big 12 Pitcher of the Week » Sports |url=https://www.claremoreprogress.com/sports/ous-gray-earns-big-12-pitcher-of-the-week/article_dab37ce5-8d94-53a8-ac24-19e0d768b465.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615201521/http://claremoreprogress.com/sports/x2015916593/OUs-Gray-earns-Big-12-Pitcher-of-the-Week |archive-date=2013-06-15 |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Claremore Daily Progress}} He had a 10–3 win–loss record, a 1.64 ERA, and 147 strikeouts in {{frac|126|1|3}} innings pitched. He was a first team All-American and a unanimous choice for the All-Big 12 team. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2013 Big 12 Conference baseball tournament, as Oklahoma won the tournament for the first time since 1997.{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Eric |date=May 27, 2013 |title=Oklahoma wins first Big 12 tournament title since 1997 |url=https://tulsaworld.com/sports/ou/oklahoma-wins-first-big-12-tournament-title-since-1997/article_bace548d-86e9-588b-9746-8837589dc1ef.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Tulsa World}} Gray also won the National Pitcher of the Year Award.{{cite web |date=2013-07-01 |title=Former Sooner Jonathan Gray named Pitcher of the Year by College Baseball Hall of Fame |url=http://www.kjrh.com/sports/local-sports/former-sooner-jonathan-gray-named-pitcher-of-the-year-by-college-baseball-hall-of-fame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025605/http://www.kjrh.com/sports/local-sports/former-sooner-jonathan-gray-named-pitcher-of-the-year-by-college-baseball-hall-of-fame |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=July 4, 2015 |website=KJRH}}

Gray was expected to be among the first players chosen in the 2013 MLB Draft, and was considered by the Houston Astros, who had the first overall pick.{{cite web |last=Helsley |first=John |date=April 9, 2013 |title=Oklahoma baseball: Jonathan Gray's stock is on the rise |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2013/04/09/oklahoma-baseball-jonathan-grays-stock-is-on-the-rise/60990307007/ |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=The Oklahoman}}{{cite web |last=McTaggart |first=Brian |date=April 22, 2013 |title=Luhnow, scouts considering options for No. 1 Draft pick |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/astros-general-manager-jeff-luhnow-scouts-considering-options-for-no-1-draft-pick/c-45496122 |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=MLB.com}} The Colorado Rockies picked him with the third pick. Gray signed with the Rockies, receiving a $4.8 million signing bonus, which was below the recommended slot value for the pick.{{cite web |last=Snyder |first=Matt |date=June 12, 2013 |title=Rockies sign third overall draft pick Jonathan Gray under slot |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rockies-sign-third-overall-draft-pick-jonathan-gray-under-slot/ |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}} Gray made his professional debut with the Grand Junction Rockies of the Rookie-level Pioneer League in July,{{cite web |date=2013-07-09 |title=Jonathan Gray set to make professional debut Wednesday |url=http://www.oudaily.com/news/2013/jul/09/gray_debut/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130802201601/http://www.oudaily.com/news/2013/jul/09/gray_debut/ |archive-date=August 2, 2013 |website=Oklahoma Daily}} before receiving a promotion to the Modesto Nuts of the High–A California League later in the month.{{cite web |last=Berridge |first=Zach |date=July 28, 2013 |title=Rockies fall to Chukars, Jonathan Gray promoted |url=http://www.nbc11news.com/sports/headlines/Rockies-fall-to-Chukars-Jonathan-Gray-promoted-217332361.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130802201527/http://www.nbc11news.com/sports/headlines/Rockies-fall-to-Chukars-Jonathan-Gray-promoted-217332361.html |archive-date=2013-08-02 |website=KKCO NBC 11}} For Modesto, Gray pitched to a 0.75 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 24 innings.{{cite web |last=Callis |first=Jim |date=February 4, 2014 |title=Pipeline Perspectives: Jon Gray and Eddie Butler give Rockies top duo of pitching prospects |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pipeline-perspectives-jon-gray-and-eddie-butler-give-rockies-top-duo-of-pitching-prospects/c-67387840 |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=MLB.com}}

File:Jon Gray (43670874015) (cropped).jpg

The Rockies invited Gray to spring training in 2014.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=February 4, 2014 |title=Prospects Eddie Butler, Jon Gray among Colorado Rockies' invitees |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/prospects-eddie-butler-jon-gray-among-colorado-rockies-invitees/c-67437804 |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=MLB.com}} They assigned him to the Tulsa Drillers of the Double–A Texas League for the 2014 season.{{cite web |last=Lewis |first=Barry |date=March 30, 2014 |title=Barry Lewis: Top prospects Jon Gray, Eddie Butler to start season with Drillers |url=https://tulsaworld.com/sports/barry-lewis-top-prospects-jon-gray-eddie-butler-to-start/article_c80890fa-d917-5dc4-a625-38c9ab212267.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Tulsa World}} He pitched to a 10–5 record, a 3.91 ERA, and 113 strikeouts in {{frac|124|1|3}} innings. He missed the first round of the Texas League playoffs due to a tired shoulder.{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |date=September 2, 2014 |title=Jon Gray shut down by Rockies because of "shoulder fatigue" |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2014/09/02/jon-gray-shut-down-by-rockies-because-of-shoulder-fatigue/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=The Denver Post}} The Rockies invited Gray to spring training in 2015.{{cite web |last=Groke |first=Nick |date=February 10, 2015 |title=Jon Gray, Yohan Flande on Rockies spring training roster |url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/rockies/2015/02/10/jon-gray-yohan-flande-rafael-betancourt-among-pitchers-battling-rockies-roster-spot/19341/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211163349/http://blogs.denverpost.com/rockies/2015/02/10/jon-gray-yohan-flande-rafael-betancourt-among-pitchers-battling-rockies-roster-spot/19341/ |archive-date=2015-02-11 |website=Denver Post}} They assigned him to the Albuquerque Isotopes of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League to start the 2015 season.{{cite web |last=Sickenger |first=Ken |date=April 7, 2015 |title=Gray is ready for the Albuquerque altitude |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/565584/gray-is-ready-for-the-albuquerque-altitude.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802083246/https://www.abqjournal.com/565584/gray-is-ready-for-the-albuquerque-altitude.html |archive-date=2017-08-02 |website=Albuquerque Journal}} Gray pitched to a 6–6 win–loss record with a 4.33 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 21 games, including a 2.70 ERA in his last six starts.{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |date=August 2, 2015 |title=Jon Gray scheduled to make major-league debut for Rockies against Mariners |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2015/08/02/jon-gray-scheduled-to-make-major-league-debut-for-rockies-against-mariners/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=The Denver Post}}

Gray made his major league debut with the Rockies on August 4, 2015. Focusing on his fastball and slider, Gray pitched to a 0–2 record and a 5.53 ERA in nine starts for the Rockies. During the 2015–16 offseason, Gray worked to add a curveball.{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |date=February 18, 2016 |title=Jon Gray adds curveball, seeks improvement in 2nd season with Rockies |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/02/18/jon-gray-adds-curveball-seeks-improvement-in-2nd-season-with-rockies/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Denver Post}}

Gray missed the beginning of the 2016 season due to a strained abdominal muscle.{{cite web |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Jon Gray of Colorado Rockies sidelined couple weeks with abdominal strain |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/15058095/jon-gray-colorado-rockies-sidelined-couple-weeks-abdominal-strain |access-date=September 26, 2017 |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} On May 13, Gray earned his first career major league win in a 5–2 victory over the New York Mets.{{cite web |last=Graham |first=Pat |date=May 13, 2016 |title=Jon Gray earns first major league win, Rockies beat Mets 5–2 |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/13/jon-gray-earns-1st-big-league-win-rockies-beat-met/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=The Washington Times}} He finished the 2016 season with a 10–10 record, a 4.61 ERA,{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |date=June 30, 2017 |title=Slumping Rockies counting on return of Jon Gray, and return of offense, as second half begins |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/06/29/slumping-rockies-counting-on-jon-gray/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Denver Post}} and 185 strikeouts in 168 innings pitched.

In 2017, the Rockies named Gray their Opening Day starting pitcher.{{cite web |last=Groke |first=Nick |date=March 30, 2017 |title=Jon Gray named Rockies' opening day starter for 2017. After that, questions remain |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/03/30/jon-gray-rockies-opening-day-starter/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=The Denver Post}} He went on the disabled list in April with a stress fracture in his left foot.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=2017-04-14 |title=Jon Gray on disabled list with foot injury |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jon-gray-on-disabled-list-with-foot-injury-c224375750 |access-date=March 19, 2023 |website=MLB.com}} On July 5, Gray hit his first career home run off of Cincinnati Reds pitcher Scott Feldman, which measured {{convert|467|ft}}.{{cite web |date=2017-07-05 |title=Jon Gray launches first career home run at 467 feet |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19845985/colorado-rockies-pitcher-jon-gray-launches-first-career-home-run-467-feet |access-date=July 5, 2017 |website=ESPN}} Gray finished the season winning 10 games in 20 starts and a 3.67 ERA. Gray started for the Rockies in the 2017 National League Wild Card Game,{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |date=September 7, 2017 |title=Rockies confident Jon Gray can take playoff step vs. Diamondbacks |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/10/03/rockies-confident-jon-gray-vs-diamondbacks/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=The Denver Post}} which the Rockies lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{cite web |last=Groke |first=Nick |date=October 5, 2017 |title=Jon Gray's day went south in a hurry in Rockies' playoff loss at Arizona. They will wait to find their ace |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/10/04/jon-gray-struggles-in-wild-card-loss-to-diamondbacks/ |accessdate=April 9, 2022 |website=The Denver Post}}

Gray started for the Rockies on Opening Day in 2018, but he began the 2018 season with a 5.77 ERA in his first 17 starts. On June 20, 2018, he was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=2018-06-30 |title=Rockies send struggling Jon Gray to Triple-A |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rockies-option-jon-gray-to-triple-a/c-283652912 |access-date=June 30, 2018 |website=MLB.com}} He was recalled on July 13.{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Jon Gray set to be recalled from Triple-A and will start Saturday; Antonio Senzatela, who was scheduled to start tonight, headed to DL |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/13/rockies-senzatela-hoffman/ |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=The Denver Post}} Gray ended the regular season with a 5.12 ERA and 27 home runs allowed. The Rockies did not include Gray on their postseason roster for the 2018 National League Division Series.{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |date=November 13, 2018 |title=Rockies' Jon Gray, working to build strength, plans to rebound in 2019 |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/11/13/rockies-jon-gray-strength-confidence-2019/ |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=The Denver Post}} In August 2019, Gray's season ended due to the diagnosis of a stress fracture in his left foot. In 2019, he had an 11–8 record and a 3.84 ERA in 25 starts.{{Cite web |last=Rill |first=Jake |date=2019-08-21 |title=Rockies lose Gray for the season with foot fracture |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jon-gray-placed-on-injured-list-with-fractured-foot |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=MLB.com}} In 2020, Gray's season was cut short due to right shoulder inflammation as he pitched in only eight starts. He finished with a 2–4 record and a 6.69 ERA.{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=2020-09-16 |title=Gray (shoulder) likely done for '20 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rockies-pitcher-jon-gray-likely-out-for-2020-season |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=MLB.com}}

In 2021, Gray posted an ERA of 4.59 in 29 starts. He struck out 157 batters in 149 innings. After the season, the Rockies opted not to make a qualifying offer of $18.4 million for the 2022 season to Gray, and he became a free agent.{{cite web|last=Saunders |first=Patrick |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2021/11/07/jon-gray-free-agent-rockies-qualifying-offer/ |title=Jon Gray becomes a free agent when Rockies don't tender him a qualifying offer |work=Denver Post |date=November 7, 2021 |accessdate=April 9, 2022}}

File:Jack Gray and Jon Gray (cropped).jpg]]

On December 1, 2021, Gray signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the Texas Rangers.{{cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |title=Rangers sign RHP Gray to 4-year deal |url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/jon-gray-rangers-deal |date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=December 1, 2021 |work=MLB.com}} He started for the Rangers on Opening Day,{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=2022-03-29 |title=Jon Gray gets Opening Day nod for Rangers |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jon-gray-named-rangers-opening-day-starter |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=MLB.com}} but developed a blister on his right middle finger during the game and went on the injured list the next day.{{cite web |author=Grant |first=Evan |date=April 9, 2022 |title=Rangers place Jon Gray on the injured list with blister, recall reliever Spencer Patton |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2022/04/09/rangers-place-jon-gray-on-injured-list-with-blister-recall-reliever-spencer-patton/ |accessdate=April 9, 2022 |website=Dallas Morning News}} He returned to make his second start for Texas on April 19, and went back on the injured list with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.{{cite web |date=April 22, 2022 |title=Rangers' Gray headed to IL with knee sprain |url=https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-texas-seattle-rangers-428942b58e3fd7ce5171739391ca965c |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Associated Press}} Over 24 games for Texas in 2022, Gray posted a 7–7 record with a 3.96 ERA and 134 strikeouts over {{fraction|127|1|3}} innings.{{Cite magazine |last=Postins |first=Matthew |date=October 20, 2022 |title=Rangers 40-Man Roster Wraps: Jon Gray |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-40-man-roster-jon-gray-profile-review-offseason |access-date=January 8, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

Gray pitched three scoreless innings in relief in Game 3 of the 2023 World Series, earning the win.

Gray started the 2024 season off well but was removed from a game on May 21{{Cite web |date=2024-05-22 |title=Rangers' Jon Gray: Exits start with groin tightness |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-jon-gray-exits-start-with-groin-tightness/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=CBS Sports |language=en-US |agency=RotoWire}} and was later diagnosed with a mild right groin strain, landing on the 15-day injured list on May 23.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-23 |title=Rangers' Jon Gray: Not expected to make next start |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-jon-gray-not-expected-to-make-next-start/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=CBS Sports |language=en-US |agency=RotoWire}} On June 8, he was activated from the injured list{{Cite web |date=2024-06-08 |title=Rangers' Jon Gray: Activated off IL |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-jon-gray-activated-off-il/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=CBS Sports |language=en-US |agency=RotoWire}} but was later removed from a game on July 28{{Cite web |date=2024-07-28 |title=Rangers' Jon Gray: Departs with injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-jon-gray-departs-with-injury/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=CBS Sports |language=en-US |agency=RotoWire}} and placed on the 15-day injured list on July 29 with a right groin strain.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-29 |title=Rangers' Jon Gray: Goes on IL with groin strain |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-jon-gray-goes-on-il-with-groin-strain/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=CBS Sports |language=en-US |agency=RotoWire}} On August 20, he was reinstated from the injured list,{{Cite web |date=2024-08-20 |title=Texas Rangers Place Tyler Mahle On Injured List, Reinstate Jon Gray |url=https://thereportonsports.com/texas-rangers-place-tyler-mahle-on-injured-list-reinstate-jon-gray/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211032913/https://thereportonsports.com/texas-rangers-place-tyler-mahle-on-injured-list-reinstate-jon-gray/ |archive-date=2024-12-11 |website=thereportonsports.com |language=en-US}} only to be placed back on the list on September 3, when manager Bruce Bochy revealed that both he and Tyler Mahle would miss the remainder of the 2024 season.{{Cite web |last=Landry |first=Kennedi |date=2024-09-04 |title=Rangers to be without Gray, Mahle for rest of 2024 |url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/jon-gray-tyler-mahle-shut-down-by-rangers-for-rest-of-2024-season |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=MLB.com |language=en-US}} Gray finished his 2024 season, pitching in 23 games (19 starts) to an ERA of 4.47, and recorded a record of 5-6. Over {{Fraction|102|2|3}} innings, he had 86 strikeouts while walking only 28.

On March 14, 2025, Gray suffered a broken right wrist after being hit by a Michael Toglia line drive during a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies.{{Cite web|title=Jon Gray Suffers Wrist Fracture|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/jon-gray-suffers-wrist-fracture.html|access-date=March 24, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He was transferred to the 60-day injured list to begin the season on March 18.{{Cite web|title=Rangers Sign Patrick Corbin|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rangers-sign-patrick-corbin.html|access-date=March 24, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

Jon Gray is married to middle school sweetheart, Jacklyn.{{cite web |last=Groke |first=Nick |date=April 11, 2017 |title=Rockies ace Jon Gray loses "alter ego," but shears off hair for Locks of Love |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/11/jon-gray-cuts-hair-colorado-rockies/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Denver Post}} Gray’s father, Jack Gray, was a baseball player at Chandler High and later joined the United States military.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Christian |date=2016-06-19 |title=Baseball dad stories from the Colorado Rockies on Father's Day |url=https://denverite.com/2016/06/19/rockies-reflect-on-fathers-day/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Denverite |language=en}} His brother, Jack, played linebacker at Northeastern State University, and is currently one of the football coaches for their high school in Chandler. His sister, Brooke, played softball for Chandler and had also played for Barton Community College.

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• {{Twitter|MrGrayWolf22|Jonathan Gray}}

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Category:1991 births

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Category:People from Chandler, Oklahoma

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