ASTROS INVEST IN PITCHING
Astros strike a deal and solidify their starting rotation moving forward
Mar 24, 2021, 4:10 pm
Lance McCullers will stay in Houston. Composite image by Jack Brame.
With concerns about Framber Valdez's health, let's examine the Astros rotation
Mark Berman is reporting that the Astros and Lance McCullers Jr. have agreed on a contract extension. McCullers said earlier this spring that he would like to stay in Houston, but wasn't sure if he was in the Astros' plans. Well, it looks like he got his answer. The deal is reported to be a 5-year contract worth $85 million.
With Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke decent bets to move on from Houston after the 2021 season, this deal makes a lot of sense for the Astros. Verlander could possibly agree to a prove-it deal with the team after the 2021 season, but my guess would be this move means Greinke won't be an Astro after 2021.
McCullers has been a terrific pitcher at Minute Maid Park posting a career home ERA of 2.51. Every other ballpark his ERA jumps to 4.99. If McCullers can pitch just a little better on the road, you have to like this deal for Houston.
MLB source: Lance McCullers Jr and the #Astros have reached an agreement on a five-year extension. So Lance is tied to the Astros for six years.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 24, 2021
McCullers $85M deal begins in 2022. So through 2026. Limited no-trade clause.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2021
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Listen Live
The latest update from Astros GM Dana Brown on the club's flagship station did not ease anyone's concerns this week. Brown said he was optimistic that Kyle Tucker would be back before September. September?
Which made us wonder what type of injury Tucker is really dealing with? A bone bruise doesn't typically take this long to heal.
Be sure to watch the video above as ESPN Houston's Joel Blank and Barry Laminack share their thoughts on Tucker's health, the Astros' secrecy when it comes to injuries, and much more!