BREAKING: Red Sox’s Tanner Houck gets brutally honest on risky spring training play
After Tanner Houck shared his thoughts on his breakout 2024 season, the Boston Red Sox pitcher backed it up with a solid performance. He posted a 9-10 record with a 3.14 ERA across 30 games and led the league with one complete game shutout. His tall, athletic frame hints at even greater potential.
Houck also set career highs with 154 strikeouts and 48 walks, showcasing his high-velocity arsenal. However, he made an unexpected play during a Spring Training game when he dove for a ground ball hit in his direction—a move rarely seen from pitchers.
The play surprised many, including manager Alex Cora, who was likely less than thrilled. But for Houck, it was all about making the effort.
“Before I went out there, AC told me I had 10 pitches left and said, ‘Get through the third with 10 pitches,’” Houck told Ian Broome of MLB.com. “I said, ‘OK.’ I knew I was getting close, so I made the play.
“It’s probably not a play I’d make again in spring training. Maybe during the season, but my instincts just took over. I was just excited to be back out there.”
Tanner Houck could be in for another Red Sox breakout
The Red Sox finished the 2024 season with an even 81-81 record, fighting for a potential Wild Card spot. Despite a strong start, they ultimately fell short as both the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles surpassed 90 wins to secure their postseason berths.
While Houck posted a 9-10 record, Boston may need a Cy Young-caliber performance from him moving forward. His win-loss tally wasn’t necessarily reflective of his effectiveness, as he pitched in 30 games and demonstrated improved command. Encouragingly, his walk percentage was the lowest of his career, an important development for a pitcher who thrives on strikeouts.
After offering a vague contract update last season, Houck is currently earning around $4 million per year. If he delivers another strong season, Boston could face serious competition from other teams, including National League contenders, should they choose not to extend him.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, Houck remains under team control through arbitration and isn’t set to hit free agency until the 2026 offseason. However, his aggressive playstyle—like the diving effort he made in Spring Training—could have put his 2025 season at risk. Still, it was the type of instinctive play he wouldn’t hesitate to make during the regular season.