The Boston Red Sox have built one of MLB’s best bullpens over the past year and a half, anchored by nine-time All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. But as trade deadline rumors swirl around the veteran lefty, there’s an intriguing option already in the organization.
Tanner Houck is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and could give Boston the flexibility to move Chapman if the right deal comes along.
Houck’s Return Creates Options
Houck has been ramping up his recovery, throwing two bullpen sessions per week according to interim manager Chad Tracy. While he made his mark as a starter – even earning an All-Star nod in 2024 – Houck has closing experience.
Back in 2022, he stepped into the closer role after Matt Barnes struggled. Taking over mid-season, Houck posted solid numbers: 5-4 record with a 3.15 ERA, 56 strikeouts and eight saves in 28 relief appearances.
It wasn’t spectacular, but it showed he could handle the ninth inning.
Now, fans are starting to wonder if Houck could reclaim that closer role, potentially making Chapman expendable at the deadline.
Chapman’s Value Remains High
Here’s the thing though – Chapman is having another excellent season. The 36-year-old has posted a 2.05 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 21 saves in 32 games. Those numbers, combined with Boston’s recent surge, make a trade unlikely.
The Red Sox have won 12 straight and 17 of their last 19 games. They’re sitting in a Wild Card spot, and moving your proven closer during a playoff push doesn’t make much sense.
There’s also the contract situation to consider. Chapman has a vesting option that becomes guaranteed if he pitches enough innings. He’s already at 30 innings this season, so he’ll likely trigger that option.
The Long-Term Picture
So where does that leave Houck? Probably looking for a role in an already deep bullpen.
The most realistic scenario has Chapman finishing this season as the closer and likely holding that job for most of next year too. But Chapman will be a free agent after 2027 if the Red Sox don’t extend him.
That’s where it gets interesting. Boston will probably use next season as an evaluation period – if Chapman continues performing at this level, they’ll likely bring him back. If his age starts showing, they’ll have other options.
Houck’s return gives them that insurance policy. He’s shown he can close games when needed, and his stuff plays up in shorter stints. For now, he’ll probably slot into a setup role, but the Red Sox know they’ve got a proven option if Chapman falters or becomes too expensive.
It’s a good problem to have – too much bullpen depth is never really a problem, especially for a team trying to make the playoffs.
