MLB Insider Links Red Sox Stud Hurler To Braves; Would Club Consider Deal?

Would the Red Sox consider trading one of their young studs?

The Boston Red Sox are going to have plenty of decisions to make this season.

Boston is 11-10 through the first 21 games of the season and things could go either way. The Red Sox have had a roller coaster start to the season. At points, the club has been extremely impressive and has looked like they could battle for a playoff spot this year. At other points, the Red Sox have looked like they could be near the bottom of the standings again. 

The Red Sox have some intriguing players that should be returning at some point this season to give them a lift in Trevor Story and Adam Duvall but there's no way for sure to know what direction Boston will go in. 

Whether Boston is successful or struggles throughout the rest of the season, there are sure to be some people on the move around the trade deadline, and The Athletic's Jim Bowden suggested that one person that could be dealt is pitcher Tanner Houck. 

"I think the Tigers will deal Eduardo Rodríguez at the trade deadline because of his opt-out clause, but he's not low-cost," Bowden said. "The (Seattle Mariners) has been open to trading Marco Gonzales and Chris Flexen. The (Washington Nationals) would move Trevor Williams. The (Colorado Rockies) might move Austin Gomber. The Red Sox would listen to offers on Tanner Houck."

The Atlanta Braves have seen their rotation depth already be tested throughout the 2023 season so far so Bowden suggested Houck as an option for the club after being asked by a fan for potential trade candidates. Houck's name has been in rumors since this offseason although no deal came to fruition. The young hurler has been one of the club's most impressive starting pitchers so far this season but his role is undefined. As the club gets healthier, there's a chance he stays in the rotation but also a chance he moves to the bullpen.

Boston seemingly has a surplus of starting pitching, but dealing Houck doesn't make much sense for the club right now unless it is blown away by an offer. 

The 26-year-old has has success as a starter and a reliever and provides the team with plenty of options. Plus, he is under team control for the foreseeable future. Unless Boston could get a clear upgrade likely in the middle infield, a move wouldn't make much sense at this time, especially with the Red Sox's depth being tested already.

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