The Astros traded McCullers and Gordon to the Brewers for outfield prospect Fielder.

Lance McCullers Jr., the veteran right-handed pitcher who helped the Houston Astros win World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 and pitched in many of the team's key games, approved a trade to the Milwaukee Brewers today. This move allows McCullers to continue his career while also freeing up some salary space for the Astros.

When owner Jim Crane asked McCullers to consider a trade, these factors led him to waive his no-trade clause and agree to go to Milwaukee. In the deal, the Astros also sent Triple-A left-hander Colton Gordon and some cash to the Brewers in exchange for Single-A outfielder Jadyn Fielder. The young outfielder is the son of former slugger Prince Fielder and the grandson of Cecil Fielder.

"It's a lot to take in, but basically my entire adult life has been in Houston, and my two children were born here," McCullers told MLB.com. "This is my home, and it will always be. I've accomplished a lot of great things here, and I wish I could have done more, but that's life. I'm proud of what I helped this great team achieve over the years, and I'm also excited about the new opportunity with another great team in Milwaukee."

Earlier this week, Crane called McCullers to gauge his willingness to go to another team. McCullers has a "10-year MLB service time with at least five years on the same team" clause, which gives him full veto power over any trade involving him.

Trade Details

Astros receive: Minor league outfielder Jadyn Fielder

Brewers receive: Right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon, cash

McCullers no longer had a spot in the Astros' starting rotation. Starting pitchers Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski are expected to return from the injured list later this month, and both of them, along with reliever Bennett Souda (who may be activated from the injured list on Saturday), are not currently on the 40-man roster. Therefore, trading away McCullers and Gordon frees up two 40-man roster spots for the Astros.

"These decisions are never easy when you have to send away guys who have been foundational pieces of the team," Astros general manager Dana Brown said. "Lance handled the trade with class, and what he means to this organization made the decision even harder. We had to make some sacrifices to create roster flexibility, so we decided to trade him."

McCullers has been on the injured list since May 19 due to right shoulder rotator cuff impingement syndrome. This season, he made eight starts for the Astros, pitching 39.1 innings with a 6.86 ERA. This is the final year of his five-year, $85 million contract. The Brewers will take on most of the remaining salary, giving the Astros additional financial flexibility ahead of the trade deadline.

"As a player, I won't be part of this team anymore, but it's still a team I care deeply about," McCullers said. "I think this is an opportunity for the Astros to move forward and chase their postseason goals this season, and for me, it's a chance to join a strong team that's in first place in their division. After talking with them, I feel like this is truly a step they believe is beneficial."

McCullers was selected by the Astros with the 41st overall pick in the 2012 draft. That same year, Houston used the first overall pick to take shortstop Carlos Correa. The two became the first top prospects to reach the majors for the Astros after the team began its rebuild following the 2011 season, and they quickly helped the team begin an incredible period of dominance in the American League.

On May 18, 2015, at just 21 years old, McCullers made his MLB debut and quickly became a mainstay in Houston's rotation and a fan favorite. In the AL Division Series that year, he made his first postseason start, throwing 6.1 innings against the Royals, allowing just two runs on two hits. In 19 career postseason appearances (12 starts), he posted an impressive 3.47 ERA.

McCullers' most memorable postseason moment came in Game 7 of the 2017 AL Championship Series against the Yankees. He pitched the final four innings in relief, allowing just one hit and no runs, helping the team clinch the AL pennant. His signature sequence of 24 consecutive curveballs to close out the game is still fondly remembered by fans.

In Game 7 of the World Series that season, held at Dodger Stadium, McCullers started and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings. He was more famous in that game for hitting four batters and even driving in a run with a bat, ultimately helping Houston win its first-ever World Series championship. In Game 5 of the 2022 AL Division Series, the Astros won an epic 18-inning 1-0 battle in Seattle, with McCullers pitching the first six innings.

The latter part of McCullers' time in Houston was marred by injuries. After a two-and-a-half-year absence, he returned last season, posting a 6.51 ERA over 55.1 innings in 16 games (13 starts). In 2025, he landed on the injured list three times.

He missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and in Game 4 of the 2021 AL Division Series, he injured his flexor tendon, then missed two consecutive seasons. In June 2023, he had surgery to repair the flexor tendon, but never regained his previous form afterward.

"Without a doubt, I will always cherish every year I spent in Houston," McCullers said. "What I will remember most are my teammates—how much I cared about them and the lifelong friendships I built here. Also this city, how they embraced me, and how deeply I care about Houston and its fans. I gave back to the community as much as I could, and every time I took the mound, whether I was at my best or not, I gave ten times my all. Because of that, I can always hold my head high."