3. Tanner Houck, RHP
The Red Sox didn't get the best pitching performance in their first 2025 series, and veteran righty Tanner Houck helped contribute to those struggles.
Houck was on the mound for Friday's 4-1 loss to the Rangers. The 28-year-old starter surrendered four earned runs and two homers on seven hits while also issuing three walks in 5 2/3 innings of work. He only recorded two strikeouts across the 89 pitches he threw, which isn't the type of performance the Red Sox expected after he made his first All-Star appearance last season.
If Houck can't turn things around, the Red Sox could explore a trade — whether it's before the deadline or during the offseason. The 6-foot-5 starter is only 28 years old and under team control through 2027, which is a combination that could entice suitors who believe they can rehab his image.
Houck is also expendable after the Red Sox added the likes of Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler over the offseason. Throw in the fact that starters Lucas Giolito, Bryan Bello, Patrick Sandoval, and Kutter Crawford should return from the injured list sooner rather than later, and it's clear that Boston can afford to move on from Houck if his performance doesn't improve.