During the Spring Training activities, the Boston Red Sox made headlines by granting Brayan Bello a six-year extension, securing his presence with the team until 2030. However, another pitcher in the bullpen, Tanner Houck, has not yet received a long-term contract.
According to Darragh McDonald of mlbtraderumors.com, the pitcher has recently engaged in discussions with the Red Sox regarding a contract extension, although there are currently no immediate signs of a deal being finalized.
Two factors may be impeding the possibility of a deal, with the first revolving around Houck’s performance. Based on his showing last season, the team might be seeking more time to evaluate the 27-year-old before committing to an extension. Apart from injuries, including one incident where Houck was struck by a line drive to the face, the pitcher has yet to fully establish himself as a starter.
Houck’s statistics noticeably differ depending on whether he starts or comes in from the bullpen. When pitching in relief, he maintains a 2.68 ERA, contrasting with his 4.17 ERA as a starter. Moreover, his strikeout rate is marginally higher as a reliever (25.9%) compared to when he starts (24.6%).
Overall, in his 21 starts last season, Houck accumulated a 5.01 ERA and a win-loss record of 6-10 across 106 innings pitched.
Another potential obstacle to reaching an extension could stem from Houck’s perspective. The pitcher may not be inclined to accept a modest offer, indicating that the possibility of a higher income hinges on his performance in 2024. With arbitration eligibility looming in 2025, his leverage in negotiations will be determined by his performance during the upcoming season.
Tanner Houck has the chance to secure a significant offer, but he needs to ensure that his on-field performance meets the expectations of the management.
