The Houston Astros are reportedly considering moving on from veteran pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., a decision that could have significant implications for both the Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals. McCullers, who signed a five-year, $85 million extension with the Astros in 2021, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. If the Astros do decide to part ways with the right-hander, it would free up approximately $36 million from their payroll, potentially opening the door for the Cardinals to swoop in.
McCullers missed the entire 2024 season due to a series of injuries, which included setbacks in his recovery process. His absence has been felt in Houston’s rotation, and with younger arms like Hunter Brown and J.P. France emerging, the Astros might view this as the right time to move on. Cutting ties with McCullers could allow the team to reallocate those funds to address other pressing needs, such as bolstering their bullpen or adding a key offensive player.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, are in the market for reliable pitching after a disappointing 2024 campaign. With a potential opening in their rotation, they could view McCullers as a high-reward acquisition, despite his injury history. St. Louis has a track record of taking calculated risks on players with strong upsides, and McCullers’ past performance—when healthy—fits that mold perfectly.
If McCullers can return to his pre-injury form, he could be a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ rotation, providing experience and a competitive edge. However, the risk remains whether he can stay healthy enough to deliver consistent performances. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on how the Astros handle this situation and whether the Cardinals will indeed make a move for the talented but injury-prone pitcher.
