The Houston Astros officially completed a trade Wednesday, sending right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and left-hander Colton Gordon, along with cash considerations, to the Milwaukee Brewers. Houston received minor league outfielder Jadyn Fielder in exchange.
McCullers brings a decorated resume to Milwaukee, having earned two World Series rings and a spot on the American League All-Star team during his career. However, his 2025 campaign has been rocky — he has thrown just 39 1/3 innings across eight starts, finishing with a 2-3 record and a 6.86 ERA.
The 32-year-old has been sidelined since May 21 due to right shoulder inflammation, landing him on the 15-day injured list. He is earning $17 million this season, which marks the final year of a five-year, $85 million contract.
Over his career with Houston dating back to 2015, McCullers compiled a 53-40 record and a 3.85 ERA across 154 appearances, including 148 starts. He earned All-Star recognition in 2017 and helped the Astros claim World Series titles in both 2017 and 2022. Injuries, however, cost him three full seasons — 2019 and 2023-24.
Gordon, 27, also heads to Milwaukee after a difficult stretch in the majors this year. In four appearances totaling 9 1/3 innings, he gave up 12 earned runs. At the Triple-A level with Sugar Land, he was 6-3 with a 3.69 ERA in 14 games, 13 of which were starts.
The player coming back to Houston, 21-year-old Jadyn Fielder, carries notable baseball bloodlines. He is the son of Prince Fielder and the grandson of Cecil Fielder — two MLB stars who combined for nine All-Star selections and 638 home runs over 25 big league seasons. Jadyn is currently in his first full professional season with Class-A Wilson, batting .233 (31-for-133) with three home runs and 23 RBIs in 45 games.
The trade comes at a critical time for Milwaukee, whose starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries. Kyle Harrison, who carries an 8-2 record and a 3.01 ERA, is currently on the 15-day injured list. Brandon Woodruff recently moved to the 60-day IL while sporting a 2-2 record and a 2.98 ERA. Logan Henderson, 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA, returned to action on July 9 after a six-week absence.
