The first deal at the 2026 trade deadline was more interesting than important.
On Wednesday, the Astros sent Lance McCullers Jr., Colton Gordon, and some cash to the Brewers in exchange for Jadyn Fielder, son of Prince Fielder. Athletic’s Chandler Rome described the deal as a “salary dump” in Houston, noting that owner Jim Crane convinced McCullers to waive his no-trade clause to help the team manage its budget and roster. The Brewers were happy to oblige, adding depth and taking on a new pitcher project, parting ways with the son of a franchise legend to do so.
The deal marks the end of an era in Houston. The Astros drafted McCullers 41st overall in 2012, the same year they took Carlos Correa for the first time. He developed alongside the Astros as they progressed from tanks to titans, often serving as an example of their forward-thinking strategy. No one threw more curveballs (44%) from 2015 to 2018 than McCullers, who went so far as to throw 24 straight curveballs to close out a four-inning save in Game 7 of the 2017 ALCS.
Unfortunately, McCullers’ career did not go the way his early success suggested. He made his first trip to the injured list in 2016, and has returned every year since, averaging just 68 innings per season. He missed all of 2019 following Tommy John surgery. He finally came back with his best performance in 2021, posting a 3.2 WAR in 162.1 innings — enough season to earn a five-year deal. But he missed most of 2022, 2023 and 2024 with various arm injuries. He finally came back in 2025 but he went down well between many IL locations.
McCullers has thrown 39.1 innings in 8 starts in 2026. He was not beautiful. His average fastball velocity is 91.3 mph, down nearly three ticks from his former greatness. The curveball still works, but he doesn’t throw it as often anymore, now boasting a wide six-pitch mix. His main contribution is a cutter or a sink, depending on the batter’s supply. The Brewers are known for choosing different fastballs than straights, though neither pitch has worked well for McCullers this year. He is currently back on the injured list again, this time with a rotator cuff replacement. He was scheduled to undergo a fourth conditioning session on Friday, to return to the majors soon.
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McCullers has 10 and 5 rights, meaning he had to give the Astros his blessing to work on it. This was no small decision, as he told Roma after the deal was announced. McCullers never wanted to play for a different team, but agreed to waive his veto rights after speaking with Crane. McCullers said he wants to “leave the Astros in the best possible position to reach their goals this year.” He has spoken of his love and respect for both Crane and the team several times, and noted that he is ready for a fresh start.
The Astros, however, are a salary dump. They agreed to pay the Brewers $4.2 million of the nearly $7 million remaining on McCullers’ contract, and make a small salary savings, according to the report. The Associated Press. The Astros are already close to the first luxury tax limit and are looking to add during the trade, especially a pinch hitter and a shortstop. They also faced issues ahead, with Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco returning from the 60-day IL right after the break. Clearing McCullers opens up a spot on the 40-man roster.
So did the trade for Gordon, who also went to Milwaukee in the deal. Gordon is 27 years old with 95 innings left in the majors dating back to last year. He wasn’t great in those innings, to be clear, with a 5.95 ERA and 5.86 FIP, though he did better in the minors, with a 3.69 ERA in Triple-A. He pitches slow (almost like McCullers these days) and is hittable, to put it mildly – his 2.55 HR/9 is the worst in the majors since last year.
The Brewers are the league’s current “what do they know” team. They have the ability to find success in unexpected places. Matthew Trueblood commented Brewer Fanatic that Gordon has many physical features that they like. He has good extension, great command, and a nice sweep going for him. Trueblood said the Brewers could also make Gordon make a few changes, such as giving up a shot to take more direct steps from the bullpen to the plate. He appears to be a potential short-term development project, though with years of team control remaining and another minor league option after this season, there is some flexibility to that effect; Gordon isn’t even arbitration eligible until 2029 or 2030, depending on how much time he sees in the majors this year.
It’s unclear whether or not the Brewers will use McCullers or Gordon. Milwaukee is dealing with a number of injuries to its big league rotation. Kyle Harrison came to the IL last week with a strained arm, and Brandon Woodruff returned to the IL earlier in the month with shoulder inflammation; you have been referred in 60 days and now you want a second opinion. Meanwhile, Quinn Priester is out for good following thoracic surgery in June, while Jacob Misiorowski is dealing with mild fatigue and taking it day by day. The Brewers recently acquired Logan Henderson from IL and have a few interesting starting options in the mix, so they certainly don’t want one of their new pitchers to join the rotation anytime soon. Indeed, it is possible that one or both of the McCullers or Gordon could move into the fold. However, the movement strengthens their depth.
The final player in the trade is Fielder, son of Prince, grandson of Cecil. He signed with the Brewers in 2024 as an undrafted free agent and is holding his own. He has a wRC+ of 125 in Single-A this year, with a walk rate of 18.8% and a strikeout rate of 24.4%. His hope is that we have not written about him until now, but his performance suggests that may change. At the very least, his name gives this solemn agreement another remarkable angle, making many generations of people feel old at the same time. And so, the trading season has arrived.
