9 Red Sox Who Won't Return in 2024
![Alex Verdugo is one of nine Red Sox who won't be on the roster once the 2024 MLB season begins. Alex Verdugo is one of nine Red Sox who won't be on the roster once the 2024 MLB season begins.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7184,h_4041,x_0,y_471/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/253/01he0s4p1erex6t6tnwh.jpg)
7. Tanner Houck
I went over it last week, but Tanner Houck is someone I can see the Red Sox moving this offseason.
At first, it might seem like an odd prediction to make. Houck is a former first-round selection who's been with the organization since 2017. He also showed some serious potential by going 9-9 with a 3.02 ERA across 53 games (20 starts) for the Red Sox between 2020 and 2022.
The 2023 campaign was Houck's first as a full-time starter and while expectations were high, he failed to meet them for the most part, recording an unimpressive 6-10 record and 5.01 ERA in 21 starts. His -2.6 base-out runs saved was also a major drop-off from last year's +10.1 mark.
Could Houck bounce back? Sure — he's only 27 years old and is a former top-25 pick for a reason. But there have also been reports that the Red Sox may capitalize on whatever potential he has as a part of a deal for an already-proven starting pitcher. If Breslow thinks that he can land a legitimate ace, moving Houck is worth the risk.
Besides, Houck being under team control through 2027 could be extremely attractive to any potential suitors, increasing the likelihood of a deal that Breslow can't turn down.