Boston Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck is preparing as a starter with spring training just around the corner, but he could be needed in relief if the team decides to trade closer Kenley Jansen before the start of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old will be competing for a rotation spot in camp, and if he loses that battle, he'll also be ticketed for a relief role. He'll have more fantasy appeal as a starter, but he has experience out of the bullpen as well, starting just four of his 32 appearances for the BoSox in 2022. Houck made some adjustments to his arsenal this offseason after going 6-10 with a career-worst 5.01 ERA (4.43 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with 41 walks and a career-high 99 strikeouts in 106 innings over 21 starts last year. Houck has had a below-average strikeout rate as a starter and relies more on ground balls for his success on the mound.

The San Diego Padres have expressed interest in acquiring outfielder Jarren Duran from the Boston Red Sox, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. While San Diego has engaged in discussions with Boston, they're not alone. Heyman notes that several other clubs have also reached out to the Red Sox. After a horrendous 2022 season, Duran had a major resurgence last year, slashing .295/.346/.482 with 24 stolen bases, a 120 wRC+, and 2.4 fWAR. He can also provide long-term contributions given that he's under team control through 2028. It's unclear whom Boston would target in return for Duran, but it's worth noting that the team faces an uphill battle to be competitive in the AL East this year. Therefore, the Red Sox could benefit from adding a package of prospects to bolster their farm system.

Veteran relief pitcher Matt Barnes threw for a group of MLB scouts last week, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. A hip injury cost Barnes the second half of his 2023 season, holding him to just 24 appearances with the Miami Marlins. He maintained a 4.15 FIP, 8.44 K/9, and 4.22 BB/9 while inducing a 49.3 GB%. Prior to last season, Barnes had been a staple of the Red Sox' bullpen. He recorded 24 saves back in 2021. The 33-year-old righty will presumably have to settle for a minor league deal but could compete for a roster spot during Spring Training.

The Miami Marlins have acquired right-handed pitcher Darren McCaughan from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. To make room for McCaughan on the 40-man roster, Miami designated outfielder Peyton Burdick for assignment. McCaughan, who will be 28 years old when the 2024 regular season begins, showed promise through limited major league action last year. Over the course of five innings, he struck out 10 batters while posting a 2.71 xFIP and 64.3 GB%. Although this was a small sample size, McCaughan has shown that he can be a contributor out of the bullpen. On the other hand, Burdick, who was designated for assignment, has struggled at all levels of pro ball, posting high strikeout rates, low OPS totals, and poor defensive metrics. He isn't expected to make an impact at the big-league level anytime soon, regardless of whether he remains with the Marlins or joins another organization.

The Cincinnati Reds and second baseman Jonathan India agreed to a two-year deal to avoid salary arbitration on Friday. India will earn $3.8 million in 2024 and $5 million in 2025 and can also earn escalators in the second year based on plate appearances or games started up to an additional $2.05 million. This was the 27-year-old first year of arbitration eligibility after he hit .244/.338/.407 with 17 home runs and 14 stolen bases for the Reds in 119 games in 2023. The former National League Rookie of the Year is going to have to move around (possibly to the outfield) in order to keep playing consistently in 2024 given the team's abundance of infield options. India could also be traded before the deadline in August.