Astros trade Lance McCullers Jr. and Colton Gordon to Brewers

The Houston Astros have reached a deal to trade pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and prospect left-hander Colton Gordon to the Milwaukee Brewers. Reports indicate that McCullers waived his no-trade clause and that Houston will assume a portion of the roughly $6.7 million remaining on his five-year, $85 million contract.

Milwaukee will acquire McCullers, who has not pitched since May 13 because of a shoulder injury and a flexor-tendon surgery that sidelined him for the 2023-24 season. In his last healthy stretch, he posted a 2.27 ERA over 47 2/3 innings in 2022. The Brewers, known for developing pitchers, hope to rehabilitate him and add depth to their rotation.

The trade also includes 27-year-old Colton Gordon, a left-handed pitcher who debuted in the majors with Houston but has spent most of his career in Triple-A. Gordon posted a sub-4.00 ERA in his last three seasons at that level and retains three years of minor-league options, giving Milwaukee flexibility to move him between the major-league club and its affiliates.

"We are pleased to add a pitcher of Lance's experience and a controllable arm like Colton," a Brewers spokesperson said.

The transaction is expected to free up salary space for the Astros as they approach the August 3 trade deadline.