Inside The Red Sox

Red Sox Rising Star Called 'Obvious Extension Candidate' In New Report

Will Boston write a fat check this winter?

Colin Keane

Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
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The Boston Red Sox have benefited from some breakout performances this season.

Few predicted that Jarren Duran would become a first-time All-Star and even fewer had “All-Star Tanner Houck” on their bingo card for 2024.

Aside from his recent dip in effectiveness (probably due to fatigue), Houck has been a revelation all year long for a Red Sox staff that has desperately needed it. Without Houck’s ace-level contributions, Boston’s rotation would have looked like one of Major League Baseball’s shakiest.

On a personal level, Houck has done wonders for his career (and wallet) this season.

In a piece entitled “Ranking the 10 MLB Players Who Have Taken the Biggest Leaps in 2024”, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly ranked Houck at No. 6 and asserted that the starting pitcher should receive strong consideration from Boston’s front office for a contract extension.

“The Boston Red Sox staff seemed to be undermanned entering spring training, and it took a major hit when offseason signee Lucas Giolito underwent a season-ending internal brace procedure on his right elbow in mid-March,” Kelly said.

“However, manager Alex Cora's squad is one of the more surprising playoff contenders in 2024, thanks in large part to the emergence of Tanner Houck as a front-line starter.”

“Just a year after posting a 5.01 ERA across 21 starts for the Red Sox, Houck has a 3.02 ERA over 23 outings for Boston this season. His 0.5 HR/9 is the best mark among all pitchers in the AL.”

“Considering Houck was a first-time All-Star this year and will likely receive some down-ballot AL Cy Young support, the 28-year-old feels like an obvious extension candidate in the offseason.”

Will chief baseball officer Craig Breslow extend Houck this winter? It seems like a prudent move given Houck’s youth and Boston’s need to establish a stronger rotation moving forward.

More MLB: Red Sox Slugger Named One Of MLB's Five Most Underrated Players

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Colin Keane

COLIN KEANE

Colin Keane is a contributing journalist for "Boston Red Sox On SI." Born in Illinois, Colin grew up in Massachusetts as the third of four brothers. For his high school education, Colin attended St. Mark's School (Southborough, MA), where he played basketball and soccer and served as student body president. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Villanova University. Colin currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

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