Boston Red Sox select Tanner Houck in the 2017 MLB Draft
With the 24th pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, the Boston Red Sox selected Tanner Houck, a RHP out of the University of Missouri.
The Boston Red Sox have added another pitcher to their farm system with the selection of 6’5″ righty Tanner Houck.
Houck was originally drafted by the Toronot Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2104 MLB Draft. He decided to attend the University of Missouri and has blossomed into a first round talent. Houck will still come to the AL East, but now it will be with Boston.
On the mound Houck brings a fastball, slider and changeup. His fastball may be one of the best of any player in this year’s draft class. Here’s MLB.com‘s take on the Mizzou prospect.
"“Houck has one of the best fastballs in this year’s Draft class. It’s not just because of his velocity, thought that’s impressive with a normal range of 92-96 mph with a peak of 98. Houck’s heater also has a lot of sinking and boring action, generating a lot of swings and misses as well as weak contact. Scouts don’t love Houck’s low-three-quarters arm slot and the high back elbow in his delivery, but he makes his mechanics work and throws a lot of strikes.”"
Houck brings a funky delivery, and his secondary pitches aren’t as strong. The 20-year old may eventually become a bullpen arm, as many analysts on MLB Network’s draft coverage team suggested.
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Due to his unusual delivery, right handed hitters have issues picking the ball up. I’m going to trust the experts here and run with the notion the Houck will be a bullpen arm in the future.
Baseball America though still thinks there is some hope for Houck as a back end starter.
"“Some see the delivery and his sinker-heavy approach and see a future one-and-a-half pitch reliever. Others believe he’ll end up as a solid No. 3/4 starter who has enough of a changeup to keep lefties honest while his above-average control and sinkerball beats up righthanders.”"
Only time will tell what Tanner Houck will become.
Boston’s rotation has been inconsistent this season, especially reigning Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello. Although we won’t see Houck too soon, it would be nice to have another arm developed in our own system.
Next: Red Sox need to move on from Sandoval
For now, the Red Sox have added a stellar arm to their farm system, and they’ll hope he can continue to develop into a solid pitcher. At 20 years old, you’d hope he doesn’t need too much time in the minors. I’d like to see him in Boston by 2020.