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4 Red Sox on the Chopping Block After Craig Breslow Hiring

It's time to trim the dead weight if the Red Sox are to become World Series contenders soon.

By Devon Platana

Now that Craig Breslow is in charge in Boston, these four Red Sox must be put on the chopping block.
Now that Craig Breslow is in charge in Boston, these four Red Sox must be put on the chopping block. / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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3. Tanner Houck

Red Sox fans wanted to see RHP Tanner Houck succeed ever since he was drafted 24th overall in 2017. But even though he's still under team control for the next four seasons, don't count on seeing the 27-year-old at Fenway Park in 2024.

Houck hasn't developed into the ace that some experts projected him to be. Making a career-high 21 starts last season, the St. Louis, MO native only went 6-10 with a 5.01 ERA and 1.368 WHIP. Most of his struggles stemmed from when he failed to win 11 straight starts between Apr. 26 and Aug. 27.

Even if you have faith in Houck getting back on track, Breslow must at least explore trade options. The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey theorizes that Houck could be used in a trade package to bring in a true ace. His being arbitration-eligible through 2027 only adds to his trade value.

With starting pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, and Tyler Glasnow rumored to be on the trade block this offseason, unloading Houck would be a small price to pay to hook one of those big fish.

Unless Breslow is 100% confidence that Houck can live up to his draft, it's best to let the righty be someone else's redemption project.

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