The Boston Red Sox spent much of the offseason focused on adding external talent, while Top veteran remained patient and adaptable.
He boosted his profile in 2024 by emerging as the team’s ace during the first half of the season. The right-hander earned his first career selection to the MLB All-Star Game, joining Jarren Duran as the Red Sox’s two active participants — though Rafael Devers was selected, he did not attend the event. His breakout performance marked a significant milestone in his career as he made his Midsummer Classic debut. Talks of a contract extension between Tanner Houck and the Red Sox have been stagnant.
“Nothing,” Houck told The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham. “Just business as usual. My wife and I are happy. I’m not stressing about it. I plan to play this game for a long time, so I’ll be fine. But if you’re asking if I’d like to stay here, absolutely. I love it here.”
The 28-year-old right-hander wrapped up the season with a 9-10 record, a 3.12 ERA, while ranking second on the team in innings pitched (178 2/3) and third in strikeouts (154). Boston avoided arbitration by inking Houck to a one-year, $3.95 million deal in January, but long-term security remains up in the air.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have already committed to younger core pieces. Brayan Bello signed a six-year, $55 million extension before turning 25, and a month later, Boston locked up 24-year-old outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela to an eight-year deal — signaling the club’s intent to secure promising young talent on multi-year contracts.
Houck could be next in line for an extension, and the 2025 season presents another opportunity for the sixth-year veteran to further elevate his game. With Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Lucas Giolito, and Patrick Sandoval all in the process of rehabbing from injuries, the Red Sox will need the remaining rotation members, including Houck, to carry the load when the season kicks off in just over a week.
Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Houck will be tasked with anchoring the rotation and keeping Boston on course while their injured teammates work toward returning later in the season.
Though Houck has yet to land a long-term extension, it hasn’t affected his drive to improve year after year. He’s also made it clear that he sees Boston as a place where he’d like to stay for the long haul.
“I’m always open to extension talks. I love Boston. The fall, the leaves changing — this is where I want to be,” Houck told the Boston Herald’s Gabrielle Starr in October. “If it happens, great. If not, no hard feelings. Teams have to do what they think is best. If I’m part of those plans, great. If not, while I’m here, I’ll continue to give everything I’ve got to this city — blood, sweat, and tears.”
Houck is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.