One of the longest-tenured members of the Houston Astros has likely thrown his last pitch for the franchise. 

According to Rome, McCullers Jr., 32, waived his no-trade clause to make the deal with the Brewers happen, as the Astros were likely motivated by the salary savings from the move. Per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Astros committed to paying down a portion of McCullers’ contract to make the deal.

It is unclear what type of return the Astros might receive in this deal, but McCullers has been with the main club for 11 seasons since his debut in 2015. He is nearing a return from a shoulder injury after completing eight starts this season, during which he recorded a 6.86 ERA and a 2-3 record with 43 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings. McCullers was in the midst of a rehab assignment with the Astros, compiling a 2.45 ERA in three outings before the trade.

McCullers is in the final year of his five-year, $85 million contract extension. McCullers has been on the injured list due to a shoulder impingement since mid-May. He has made three minor-league rehab starts and may only need one more outing before being cleared for big-league action. 

Gordon, who made his debut with the franchise in 2025, has a career record of 6-4 with a 5.59 ERA. The lefty has spent time in the minors and the pro club, registering an 11.57 ERA with the Astros in four appearances.   

The Brewers, who currently have the second-best record in baseball, will likely lean on the veterans to serve in versatile roles as spot starters or long relievers. 

McCullers will leave Houston as a beloved fan favorite, thanks to his heroics during the 2017 postseason, which helped the Astros win their first-ever World Series title. A one-time All-Star (2017) and a two-time World Series champion (2017 and 2022), McCullers is a strong candidate to have his jersey number retired by the franchise when he eventually departs from the team for good.

With the trade of McCullers, the only remaining members of the 2017 World Series title-winning team are now infielders Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. 

We will update this story with more details as they come in.