The Red Sox signed contract extensions with Brayan Bello and Ceddanne Rafaela this spring, but the team and Tanner Houck did not reach an agreement, despite some conversations.

Houck told MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo that some “discussions” took place before stating that “we’re where we are now.” I put everything behind me whenever we shook hands and said, ‘Let’s go out and win as many games as possible.'” There’s nothing stopping Houck and the Sox from beginning talks, though it appears that Houck (like most players) prefers to leave contractual issues until the winter to avoid any distractions.

The right-hander also doesn’t even reach arbitration eligibility until this coming winter, so since he is already under team control through 2027, Boston might not feel too much urgency to lock Houck up on an extension.  Of course, given how Houck has pitched this season, the Sox might’ve missed their window for landing Houck at a relative bargain price.  Houck has broken out with a 2.17 ERA over 58 innings and nine starts and his secondary metrics are highlighted by impressive grounder (55.2%), walk (4.7%) and barrel (3.7%) rates.  Even in a season marked by impressive pitching around baseball, Houck has stood out, as his 1.9 fWAR is behind only Tarik Skubal as the highest in the league.

More from the AL East…

• Tommy Kahnle is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list before the Yankees’ game on Wednesday, manager Aaron Boone informed reporters. Kahnle pitched 10 pitches in a scoreless inning for Double-A Somerset on Sunday, his fifth and likely final rehab appearance. The reliever hasn’t pitched in a major league game since September 20, 2023, when shoulder pain ended his season prematurely. Further inflammation this spring resulted in a 15-day IL stint to start the season. Getting Kahnle back in shape will add another solid arm to the New York relief corps, which led the majors in bullpen ERA entering today’s games.
• Anthony Santander has been nursing a damaged left knee since Wednesday, when he collided with the outfield wall while pursuing a Bo Bichette fly ball. After the Orioles’ off-day on Thursday, Santander felt healthy enough to serve as the DH in Baltimore’s final two games, but he did not participate in Sunday’s 6-3 victory against the Mariners. Santander told MLB.com and other media that he hopes one more day of rest will help settle the still-lingering stiffness in his knee. He described his knee as feeling “about 75 percent” when running, so additional DH duty may be in order. Santander is gaining traction.210/.290/.427 with seven homers in 176 plate appearances this season, still good for a decent 106 wRC+.