The Boston Red Sox selected starting pitcher Tanner Houck out of the University of Missouri in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
Just like 2016, the Boston Red Sox selected a pitcher with their first pick in the 2017 MLB Draft.
Unlike Jason Groome, they decided to take a proven college arm in Tanner Houck. A three-year starter at the University of Missouri, Houck was a highly touted arm coming into the draft.
Houck’s 2017 college record will deceive you, as he only went 4-7. Missouri wasn’t a top team in the very competitive SEC, so that could explain it. Houck finished with a 3.33 ERA, and had 95 strikeouts to 24 walks.
Tanner Houck offers two legitimate pitches, a fastball and a breaking ball. He has a borderline changeup, with the hope that the Red Sox player development staff help him with it. Below are both pitches in use this season, where Houck pitched a complete game against Auburn.
Here is Houck's FB. Seems to be a plus offering, especially out of the pen. pic.twitter.com/WCAyWX8CvM
— Mike El-Far (@mikeelfar) June 13, 2017
This is what made Houck a 1st round pick. Great SL/CB (whatever you want to call it) pic.twitter.com/el9pQoTzzE
— Mike El-Far (@mikeelfar) June 13, 2017
This was a value pick for the Red Sox, with what has already transpired in the draft. This year was filled with quality college arms. Most of the teams that picked before Boston decided on position players. 13 of the first 23 picks were position players.
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While there might have been better quality arms that were on the board, Tanner Houck should make a very quick impact. Houck profiles as a reliever more than a starter, mainly due to his small pitch repertoire.
With the lack of quality arms in the bullpen, Houck might find his way into the Boston bullpen by September. When the rosters expand to 40 men, there is a decent chance that he can be a member of the bullpen.
With the lack of quality starting pitching in the system, this also fills a need. Jason Groome is still over three years away, as well as Roniel Raudes. Trey Ball might never make the majors. Tanner Houck might be able to find his stride and contend for a starting role in a year or two.
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Obviously, you can’t make judgments on a draft pick that night. While the Red Sox did not reach for a player, it does not seem that they got someone who will have a very high ceiling. Time will tell if this was a successful pick. Keep in mind, Mike Trout was selected 25th overall.