Brewers Land Lance McCullers Jr. From Astros

Sport

By lines

July 15, 2026

Illustration marking the Brewers trade for Lance McCullers Jr.

Lance McCullers Jr. is headed to Milwaukee. The Brewers are finalizing a trade for the Astros right-hander, per MLB.com. Milwaukee sits atop the NL Central and needs arms.

Why Milwaukee Gambled on a Reclamation Project

McCullers has not pitched in the majors since May 13 because of a shoulder injury. The Astros are wrapping up the deal, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The Astros had shopped McCullers for much of the past year, per MLB Trade Rumors. McCullers began a minor league rehab stint on June 25. McCullers has made three appearances on that assignment. McCullers waived a no-trade clause to approve the move, per Yahoo Sports.

The numbers explain Houston’s urgency. McCullers owns a 6.65 ERA across 94 2/3 innings dating to last season. McCullers sits in the final year of a five-year, $85 million contract. About $6.672 million remains on that deal for 2026. McCullers turns 33 this October. The Astros will pay down part of the tab, per MLB Trade Rumors.

McCullers was not always this fragile. McCullers opened 2026 by striking out nine Red Sox over seven innings. McCullers then posted a 9.00 ERA across the next six starts. McCullers also helped Houston win the 2017 World Series. McCullers missed all of 2023 and 2024 after flexor tendon surgery. Milwaukee has a history of reviving cast-off pitchers.

The timing fits the calendar. The trade deadline arrives August 3, and contenders are stacking arms. Milwaukee has chased rotation help all month, per Yahoo Sports. Yahoo Sports also reported the deal sends lefty Colton Gordon to Milwaukee. McCullers offers upside at a discount if healthy.

The move reshapes two contenders’ plans. Milwaukee entered Wednesday leading the NL Central by five games over the Cubs. Injuries have thinned the rotation, with Quinn Priester out for the season after thoracic outlet surgery. Kyle Harrison also landed on the injured list with elbow trouble. Houston clears salary before the deadline to fund other additions.

Milwaukee will hope the rehab results carry to the majors. McCullers made three rehab appearances since June 25. McCullers could rejoin a rotation built for October. The Brewers open a rotation spot once McCullers proves healthy. The Astros’ full return in the deal remains unreported, per MLB Trade Rumors.