Former Collinsville Kahoks ace still hoping to debut with Boston Red Sox this year
After three productive years in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, Tanner Houck was looking forward to a big 2020 season and inching closer towards realizing his dream of playing in the big leagues.
A graduate of Collinsville High School, Houck has been impressive since being taken in the first round of the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft and, after a brief stint a year ago with Class AAA Pawtucket (Rhode Island), he was invited to participate as a non-roster player in the Red Sox Major League Spring Training camp.
But in the middle of March, professional sports came to a screeching halt and all of America was paralyzed by the coronavirus panademic. Now, two months later, a season which had so much hope, has turned into one which will be drastically different if not canceled.
“It’s not really my call. Baseball is a game I love. I love playing it. But right now I’m not confident in there being a season,” Houck said this week. “With it being June 2nd, we’re supposed to be playing ball and we’re not. But things happen and things happen for a reason.
“I’m just working out every day, throwing every day. I’m getting in about two bullpen sessions every week. I’m trying to stay ready. I may get a call any time saying, ‘be in Fort Myers, Florida, in three days or a week’ and I need to be ready when that time comes.”
A top prospect
A 6-4, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, Houck is currently the No. 10 ranked prospect in the Boston minor league system according to MLB.com.
Selected in the 12th round of the 2014 draft by Toronto following his senior season at Collinsville, Houck opted to attend the University of Missouri where he played for three years. Following a junior season in which he finished 4-7 and struck out 95 hitters in 94 2/3 innings, he was selected by Boston in the first round of the ‘17 draft as the No. 24 overall pick.
Houck received a signing bonus of $2.6 million. Since making his minor league debut in 2017 with Class A Lowell, Houck, 23, has compiled a record of 15-20 but has fanned 243 hitters in 249 innings.
Houck had his best season a year ago. He was 8-6 with a 4.25 ERA while splitting time between Class AA Salem and Pawtucket. Houck also saw some time in the bullpen, as 16 of his 18 Class AAA appearances were in relief.
“Last year was a good year. I felt like I made a lot of strides,” Houck said. “I also had a role that I have never had before. I was a starter until right before the all-star break. Then I became a reliever. It was a great experience. I learned a lot.”
“The goal is to be a starting pitcher in the big leagues. That’s always been my dream and I’m just very glad and thankful that the Red Sox have given me the chance to start and work my way up in their system.”
Major League Spring Training Camp
Houck also pitched in the Arizona Fall League in 2019 where he went 3-2 in six starts with Peoria. He then reported to the Red Sox Major League Spring Training Camp in February.
While there, Houck showcased his talents while learning from many veteran players — some of which competed in the postseason.
“It was great being surrounded by veterans — many of them of which were around and played on Red Sox teams which went to the World Series a few years back. It was great to be able to pick brains about the game, to be able to observe how they acted and how hard they worked every day to get ready for the long grind of the major league baseball season,” Houck said.
“They were all responsive and very willing to give advice. To be able to sit down and talk with major players on every aspect of the game was something I can use as I continue to advance in my career. It was a tremendous experience.”
But the experience was cut short by COVID 19.
“I wouldn’t say I was disappointed. I understood why they (MLB) had to shut down,” Houck said. “I’m a 23-year-old professional athlete who works out almost every day, who eats right and does the right things. I not only have to look out for myself, I have to look out for my mom, my grandma and whoever else. So I really do understand what they did.”
Looking ahead
If and when the 2020 season begins, Houck plans on being with Pawtucket in the Class AAA International League. The shortened campaign — although it may have hurt his chances for a late season MLB debut — will be one of hope and promise for the former Kahok star as he continues to reach for his dream of being an established major league pitcher.
“The goal is, right now just to be able to play ball again. After that my goal is just to go up there (Pawtucket) and maybe have a chance to make my big league debut this season,” Houck said. “But with that you have to stay focused on your day-to-day goals, things like staying strong with your conditioning and working hard in the weight room because all of those kind of add up giving you your chances.”
