Tanner Houck DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck said he's "always" open to talking a contract extension with the team after setting career-highs of 30 starts, 178 2/3 innings and 154 strikeouts in 2024 while posting a 3.12 ERA -- the best by a Red Sox pitcher with at least 30 starts since Chris Sale in 2018. Houck made his first All-Star appearance and finished on a high note to close out the year. "I'm always open to (extension) conversations. I love Boston. And in the fall, leaves changing, this is what I want. This is right up my alley," Houck said. While the 28-year-old might be open to an extension, the Red Sox might not be prioritizing that with Houck eligible for salary arbitration one final time this offseason while being under team control through 2027. However, it's possible they'll reward him for his strong 2024 campaign sooner than later.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck turned in a nice start in Monday's 4-1 win over the Blue Jays. Houck pitched five scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk with no strikeouts. The 28-year-old's season has been a tale of two halves. His first half performance earned him All-Star honors, but his second half has resulted in a 1-4 record with a 4.23 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts in 11 starts and 61 2/3 IP. Houck is currently in line for a favorable matchup to end the season against the Rays. His final impression could sway how fantasy managers feel about him for the 2025 season.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced following Tuesday's 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field that right-hander Tanner Houck (shoulder) would start on Wednesday night. Houck, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 4 due to right-shoulder fatigue, was supposed to return last Friday to face the division-rival New York Yankees in the Bronx, but he was scratched less than an hour before first pitch. He has a career-low 21.1% strikeout rate in 2024 but also a career-best 6.6% walk rate. Despite the lack of strikeouts, the 28-year-old has been solid for the Red Sox and fantasy managers when healthy this year, going 8-10 with a 3.24 ERA (3.34 FIP), a 1.17 WHIP and a career-high 150 strikeouts in 28 starts (169 2/3 innings) as a first-time All-Star. He has been lights-out facing the Rays twice this year, giving up just three runs (one earned) while walking four and striking out 12 in 12 2/3 frames.