The Houston Astros have traded veteran right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that also sends left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon and cash considerations to Milwaukee in exchange for minor league outfielder Jadyn Fielder. The move ends McCullers’ lengthy tenure with the Astros, the organization that drafted him in 2012 and where he helped win World Series championships in 2017 and 2022.
McCullers, 32, waived the no-trade clause in his contract to complete the deal. He has been limited by injuries throughout his career and is currently on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. In eight starts this season, he compiled a 2-3 record with a 6.86 ERA over 39 1/3 innings. The right-hander is in the final season of a five-year, $85 million contract, and the trade provides Houston with financial flexibility while clearing space on a pitching staff expected to welcome several injured starters back in the coming weeks. Milwaukee, meanwhile, adds experienced depth as it continues to manage injuries within its own rotation.
Houston’s return is 21-year-old outfielder Jadyn Fielder, the son of former major league slugger Prince Fielder and grandson of Cecil Fielder. Signed by the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2024, the left-handed hitter has spent this season at the Class A level, batting .233 with three home runs while showing a strong on-base profile. The Astros view him as a developmental prospect with athletic versatility after playing both the outfield and infield during his young professional career.
The Brewers also receive Gordon, who has split time between the major leagues and Triple-A this season. While his limited major league appearances have been challenging, Milwaukee gains another controllable arm as it seeks additional rotation options for the second half.
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