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Astros Trade Lance McCullers Jr. to Brewers for Jadyn Fielder

7/18/2026

Summary

Brewers Acquire McCullers

The Astros traded pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., prospect Colton Gordon and cash to Milwaukee for prospect Jadyn Fielder.
McCullers waived his no-trade clause, saying he respects the Brewers’ hard-nosed, World-Series-aspiring club.
Milwaukee placed McCullers in the bullpen, assumed $6.67 million of his $85 million salary, and optioned Jared Koenig to Triple-A Nashville.
The Brewers, posting a 3.48 ERA, are seeking pitching depth after injuries to Jacob Misiorowski, Brandon Woodruff and Kyle Harrison.

Summary

Brewers Add Pitchers

The Brewers acquired Trevor McCullers and Daniel Gordon, giving up only low-rank prospect Jadyn Fielder to protect their farm system.
Milwaukee assumed $2.5 million of McCullers’ salary, added cash, and cited Gordon’s five-year control and Pitching+ grade of 101 as long-term value.
The front office named No. 2 prospect Luis Peña as a potential trade chip, showing willingness to leverage depth for a World Series run.

History

Historical Context

On July 31 2004 the Red Sox traded shortstop Alex Gonzalez and cash for ace Curt Schilling, assuming his $12.5 million salary and sending the Phillies a 2005 first-round pick. Reuniting Schilling with manager Terry Francona, Boston’s rotation improved; Schilling posted a 21-6 record and won the “bloody-sock” Game 6 of the ALCS, helping the team end an 86-year World Series drought.

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Brewers Acquire McCullers

The Astros traded pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., prospect Colton Gordon and cash to Milwaukee for prospect Jadyn Fielder.
McCullers waived his no-trade clause, saying he respects the Brewers’ hard-nosed, World-Series-aspiring club.
Milwaukee placed McCullers in the bullpen, assumed $6.67 million of his $85 million salary, and optioned Jared Koenig to Triple-A Nashville.
The Brewers, posting a 3.48 ERA, are seeking pitching depth after injuries to Jacob Misiorowski, Brandon Woodruff and Kyle Harrison.

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