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Boston Red Sox could undercut Miami Marlins on trade front

By David Hill

Jun 25, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck (89) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck (89) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is known that the Miami Marlins are desperately looking to trade their pitching in an attempt to bolster their lineup. The Boston Red Sox may be able to undercut their market.

According to Chris Cotillo at MassLive.com, the Red Sox are also receiving considerable interest in one of their pitchers. Tanner Houck has been generating numerous phone calls as teams look for alternatives to the Marlins’ collection of arms.

Tanner Houck generating significant interest for Boston Red Sox

This interest does not necessarily mean anything. The Red Sox could use a lot more pitching themselves, either in the rotation or the bullpen. Nick Pivetta may be the closest thing to a given that the Red Sox have for the rotation. Kenley Jansen is easily their top reliever with few other trustworthy options.

Houck has performed well thus far in the majors as he has moved between the rotation and bullpen. He has produced a 3.02 ERA and a 1.123 WHiP over his 146 innings, striking out 164 batters with 52 walks. He had even spent time as the Red Sox closer toward the end of last season, notching eight saves as Boston looked for anything that could handle the ninth inning.

That ability to pitch well, regardless of his role, is part of what makes Houck such an interesting piece. Any team would be able to find a place for him on their pitching staff regardless of their weaknesses. He also has five more years of team control and is two years away from arbitration, opening his market up to any team in the game.

All of those reasons should also be factors for the Red Sox as well. They need arms in every possible area also, especially with how thin their pitching depth is. Trading Houck could land them pieces they need in the lineup, but would also be disastrous in case of the inevitable injury in their rotation or lack of performance from their bullpen.

Andrus best option at short for desperate Red Sox. dark. Next

Sometimes, the best trades are the ones that are not made. Despite the interest in Tanner Houck, the Boston Red Sox should hold on to him.

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