Lance McCullers Jr to Milwaukee Brewers: Houston Astros finalizing trade of veteran right-hander

The Houston Astros are closing in on a trade that would send right-hander Lance McCullers Jr to the Milwaukee Brewers. Notably, the teams are working through the final details of the agreement. At 32 years old, McCullers has spent his entire major league career with Houston after the club selected him in the first round of the 2012 draft. He is widely regarded as the longest-tenured pitcher still on the Astros roster.

The Brewers currently sit atop the National League Central with a five-game lead over the Chicago Cubs. Houston finds itself in third place in the American League West, three games behind the Texas Rangers. The timing of the move comes as both clubs assess their roster needs in the middle of the season.

Limited results and latest injury setback

Lance McCullers Jr has struggled to stay on the field this year. He owns a 2-3 record with a 6.51 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 55⅓ innings pitched. A rotator cuff impingement landed him on the injured list earlier, and he is now working his way back through a minor league rehab assignment.

These challenges have defined much of his recent seasons. McCullers missed the entire 2019 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Flexor tendon surgery in 2023 sidelined him for two and a half seasons, and a setback in 2024 further delayed his return. He rejoined the Astros rotation in 2025 but still made three separate trips to the injured list that year.

Contract details and trade logistics

This season marks the final year of Lance McCullers Jr’s five-year, $85 million contract. To complete the trade, he is reportedly waiving his no-trade clause. The package of players or prospects the Astros will receive in return has not yet been disclosed by either team.

Career achievements

When on the mound and healthy, McCullers has shown flashes of excellence. His career totals stand at 53 wins against 40 losses, a 3.85 ERA, and 904 strikeouts across 148 starts. His strongest season came in 2021, when he went 13-5 with a 3.15 ERA and finished seventh in American League Cy Young Award voting. He also earned an All-Star selection in 2017.

What the move means for both sides

For the Brewers, the addition brings a veteran arm with playoff experience to a team pushing for a division title. For the Astros, the trade offers an opportunity to reshape their pitching staff and potentially add future assets.