Young Red Sox Hurler Has 'Chip On Shoulder;' Could Breakout Season Be Coming?

One young Boston pitcher may have a massive season in 2023

The 2023 Boston Red Sox could surprise people.

Boston had a down year in 2022 and finished last place in the American League East with a subpar 78-84 record but made some intriguing additions this offseason and things could be looking up. With all the new names on the roster -- including outfielder Masataka Yoshida -- plus plenty of players returning from injury, things are going in the right direction for Boston. 

One player that should play a major role with the Red Sox in 2023 is young hurler Tanner Houck. The 26-year-old dealt with injuries of his own in 2022 but is healthy now and looking to make a jump in 2023. 

“I come into every camp trying to earn a role, whatever that is,” Houck said to MassLive.com's Christopher Smith. “I have a chip on my shoulder. I believe I know I can do it. And I know I can do it well. So go out there, and put my best forward every day. And let them kind of make the decision from there.”

Houck's role with the club is one thing that has been talked about this offseason. The 26-year-old has been both a starter and reliever for Boston since making his big league debut in 2020 and has seen success in both spots. With seven pitchers vying for the Red Sox's five starting rotation spots, Houck's role is undefined. He has made it clear that he wants to be a starter but is taking a team-first approach and manager Alex Cora already has opened up about what the team is looking for from the hurler. 

“As many innings as possible,” Cora said as transcribed by MLB.com's Ian Browne. “Obviously the last two years have been different in a sense, but he’s been able to post and do what we wanted him to do. We have to see where we’re at physically and health-wise [with the other starters], but as many innings as possible.”

Either way, it sounds like Houck is going to play a major role with the Red Sox in 2023 if he's able to stay healthy. If he can take a step forward this season, Boston may be in good shape for the long run. 

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