Tanner Houck’s Tumultuous Season and Contract Future with the Red Sox
Tanner Houck entered the 2023 season as a potential candidate for regression within the Boston Red Sox rotation, yet the reality proved to be far more challenging than anticipated. With an alarming ERA of 8.04 over just nine starts, Houck’s performance was disappointing, contributing a negative 1.4 wins above replacement to the team. Things took a further downturn when he landed on the injured list due to an elbow issue that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in August. This procedure is expected to sideline him for much, if not all, of the 2026 season.
The Impending Non-Tender Decision
Following a season that saw him make his first All-Star team, whispers began to circulate regarding Houck’s future in a Red Sox uniform, especially with the looming non-tender deadline on Friday. Having earned $3.95 million this past season, there were considerations that Boston might opt to save money by not offering him a similar salary in the upcoming year.
However, recent reports from Chris Cotillo of MassLive suggest a different course of action. According to multiple sources within the organization, Houck is likely to be tendered a contract. Cotillo noted, “At this point, Boston is unlikely to non-tender injured righty Tanner Houck, multiple sources said Monday. With a 40-man roster crunch coming, there was some thought that cutting bait with Houck was possible due to his current situation.”
Navigating the Future
The landscape of the MLB could further complicate matters, especially with labor tensions hinting at uncertainties for the 2027 season. Houck, who is set to hit free agency after the 2027 season, might present a unique dilemma for the Red Sox. Given that he will be recovering for most of 2026, the organization faces the challenge of balancing financial considerations against their long-term strategy.
One potential avenue could include discussions for an extension with Houck, who may prefer to avoid the risk of free agency given his current health status. With only one more year of team control after this season, the Red Sox might want to secure his future while also contemplating the ramifications of his injury.
Roster Implications and Other Candidates
As the Red Sox maneuver through these decisions, the focus may shift to other players as well. Notably, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe appears to be the most likely non-tender candidate in light of the full 40-man roster and the impending Rule 5 Draft. With the deadline approaching to protect eligible prospects, Lowe’s position seems precarious.
In this transitional phase for the Red Sox, Tanner Houck’s situation encapsulates the complexities of contract negotiations amidst injury recovery and roster management. While the team appears poised to retain him for now, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining how they navigate his future in Boston.
