Lance McCullers Jr. is no longer an Astro. That sentence still feels weird to type, but it is real. Houston traded the right-hander to Milwaukee on Wednesday, sending him along with Colton Gordon and cash for Jadyn Fielder, a Brewers outfield prospect who also happens to be Prince Fielder’s son.
McCullers broke his silence Saturday with a post on Instagram. It was short, emotional, and about as direct as you would expect from a guy who always pitched with his heart on his sleeve.
“Houston – I am forever grateful to this amazing city, my teammates and the Astros organization. Thank you for all of the memories Htown.. it will always be ‘Bury me in the H’.”
That line was not just a nice sendoff. McCullers has said that phrase for years. It was his way of telling everyone he wanted to finish his career where it started. He was drafted by the Astros in the 41st slot back in 2012. He never played an inning for another organization until now.
A Complicated Goodbye for a Franchise Guy
McCullers had no-trade protection in his contract. That means he had to sign off on this deal. He did. And that fact alone says a lot about where both sides are right now.
Houston needed roster flexibility. They have pitchers coming back from injury and the trade deadline is August 3. Moving McCullers opened up space and brought in a young player with a famous last name. Fielder is still a prospect, but the bloodline is there and the Astros are betting on development.
Still. McCullers was the longest-tenured Astro. He was part of two World Series titles, 2017 and 2022. He had those moments in October where he looked like the toughest guy on the mound in any series. His hook was filthy. His fastball ran hot. He pitched with a kind of controlled rage that Houston fans loved.
And now he is a Brewer.
What Milwaukee Gets
The Brewers are getting a veteran who knows what playoff baseball sounds like. McCullers has been through the grind. He has pitched in front of hostile crowds and hostile chirps from opposing benches. Milwaukee is building for another postseason push and they just added an arm with real October experience.
The question is health. McCullers has battled injuries over the last few seasons. If he is right, this is a steal for the Brewers. If not, it is a low-risk gamble with a high upside name.
Houston is moving on. They traded away a homegrown guy who wanted to retire in the city. That is never easy. But the front office made a decision and McCullers signed off on it. Sometimes the business side just wins.
The Instagram post felt like closure. The phrase “Bury me in the H” will always be his. Just not anymore as an active player in that dugout.
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