STRATEGY SHIFT: What Tanner Houck’s Return MEANS for Boston Red Sox’s Rotation FUTURE

Tanner Houck’s future with the Boston Red Sox hangs in the balance as his role could shift dramatically upon his post-surgery return. With a revamped starting rotation featuring Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Ranger Suárez, Brayan Bello, and Johan Oviedo, will Houck reclaim a rotation spot or anchor the bullpen as he rebuilds his innings? Gabby (Hurlbut) Maljanian analyzes the team’s pitching depth, profiles Houck’s pre-injury All-Star peak and 2025 struggles, and explores how offseason roster additions shape Boston’s long-term plans.Plus, the Red Sox shake up the roster by moving on from reliever Jordan Hicks—addressing luxury tax implications and sending pitching prospect David Sandlin to the White Sox for Gage Ziehl. Gabby dissects the trade’s significance and questions whether a Romy Gonzalez–David Hamilton platoon at second base is enough for a contending lineup. Can the Red Sox solidify their infield and maximize their financial flexibility for a playoff push? Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastFanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.