The Red Sox handed out $105 million in guaranteed money before the season began last year by extending Brayan Bello and Ceddanne Rafaela.

This winter, the Red Sox will look to lock up more of their young core, and one name to keep an eye on is All-Star righty Tanner Houck. The 28-year-old set a career high in starts, completing 30 while posting a 9-10 record with a 3.12 ERA over 172 2/3 frames.

Houck has three years left of team control and appears to be an anchor within the Red Sox rotation alongside Bello. The Sox have talked to Houck in the past on a potential longterm deal, but it’s not known how close both sides have come to an agreement.

Houck is open to signing an extension, making it clear to Boston Herald’s Red Sox beat writer Gabrielle Starr he loves the city and wants to remain pitching in front of the fans at Fenway Park.

“I’m always open to (extension) conversations. I love Boston. And in the fall, leaves changing, this is what I want. This is right up my alley… If I’m part of the plan, great. If not, while I have time here, I will continue to give everything I have for the city, in blood, sweat, and tears.”

Boston’s pitching staff took a major step forward under pitching coach Andrew Bailey. Houck, Bello, and even Kutter Crawford are pieces chief baseball officer Craig Breslow can build around as he navigates the trade market and free agency this winter.

“As a starter, that’s kind of like what you strive for—30+ starts, 200+ innings are kind of those milestones that I think everyone shoots for,” said Houck to reporters at the end of the season, including MassLive’s Sean McAdam. “To get the 30th one under my belt—I don’t think I’ve ever done it, even in the minor leagues—is a huge step forward. It’s been a lot of fun. I feel like I’ve grown a lot as an individual, on and off the baseball field this year.”

Houck has grown as a starter for the Red Sox after making 21 starts in 2023. He missed two months thanks to a terrifying moment on the field when a comebacker hit him in the face, resulting in a facial fracture.

The Collinsville, Illinois, native is projected to earn $4.5 million this offseason, according to MLB Trade Rumors projected salaries; that would be a $3.73 million increase for the righty.