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Red Sox: Three prospects that can thrive with an MLB promotion in 2020

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 29: Starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox warms up before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 29: Starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox warms up before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning of a Grapefruit League spring training game on March 07, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning of a Grapefruit League spring training game on March 07, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Red Sox Pitcher: Tanner Houck

The Red Sox pitching staff is one that can often leave many a thing to be desired. What was a dominant squad in 2018 was a confusing shell of itself in 2019. This is where Tanner Houck could make his entrance. He’s one of Boston’s highest-rated pitching prospects and did well in Pawtucket last season.

He’ll be turning 24 in a little over a week and has plenty of time left on the mound. The current state of the Red Sox rotation is in massive flux as there are only three concrete starters in Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, and Martin Perez. Ryan Weber was the favorite to get the fourth spot in the rotation but that could all change after this long break.

With no clear fifth starter and the idea of running an opener giving me panic attacks, why not give Houck the chance? If it goes well then Boston has a long-term starter that will be with the club for years to come.

If he isn’t ready then they can try and set him in the bullpen or back to the minors for 2021. This season feels like it will be an all-out sprint but could also be a throwaway for many teams, I honestly have no clue how Boston will attack it.

During his 2019 campaign between Portland and Pawtucket, Houck tossed for a 4.01 ERA in 107.2 innings. He did better in Triple-A having just a 3.24 ERA but also spent far less time there. He very well could thrive with the lights on bright and may even light a fire under some of the other pitchers. Sometimes all it takes is a little fresh blood in the lineup to get everyone fired up.

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