Red Sox should work on contract extension after star pitcher's recent double down

The Boston Red Sox have frequently appeared as links to star free agents early in the 2024-25 offseason, with a particular emphasis on pitchers.

Despite the Red Sox's many ties to top-tier arms in the past few offseasons, they've had limited success in the signing department. Boston has been burned by long-term contracts with aces before — the Chris Sale extension is still fresh in fans' minds, especially after his 2024 resurgence. But the Red Sox now have some homegrown, potential-star arms of their own, which has given them more confidence in their pitching development and ability to compete.

Tanner Houck's 2024 breakout was one of the biggest surprises of the campaign and his ascent to near-ace status has been thrilling for fans to watch. He won't be a free agent until 2027, his age-31 season, but if his recent success is any indication, the Red Sox may want to lock him up long-term. Luckily for Boston, the righty wants to stick around.

“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 to Gabrielle Starr of The Boston Herald shortly after his breakout season ended. “If it happens, great, if it doesn’t happen, no hard feelings by any means. Ultimately, teams got to do what’s best for them and what they feel is best."

Red Sox could revisit last year's extension conversations with breakout arm Tanner Houck

Houck posted a 3.12 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 178.2 innings across a milestone 30 starts, a marked improvement over his 5.01 ERA over 106 innings from 2023. Houck's 2023 season was shortened by a comebacker that fractured his face, but he successfully staved off injury in 2024.

The 28-year-old's strikeouts per nine innings decreased from 8.41 in 2023 to 7.76 in 2024, but he decreased his free passes to make up for it. Houck's walks per nine innings dropped from 3.48 to 2.42, and his below-league-average walk rate now ranks near the upper quartile of the league in the 73rd percentile.

Houck earned his first All-Star nod last season after a stellar first half. He owned a 2.54 ERA on July 11, his final start before his appearance at Globe Life Field. Things went downhill for him in the second half, including a rough August when he let up 17 runs in 35.2 innings, but he reached 30 starts without getting into too much trouble.

If the Red Sox want to extend Houck — reports emerged that the two sides had discussions last offseason — they should do it before his value potentially increases this coming season. His year-over-year improvement was huge for Boston, and he has the tools and experience to be even better next season and beyond.

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