The Houston Astros have an obvious buyer's mentality at the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
Everything about the 2025 season suggests the Astros should continue to keep their long World Series window open and attempt to make improvements. Looking at pieces, the franchise could opt to move to help make room, one option stands out in struggling starter Lance McCullers. The pitcher is a World Series champion and has long been an important piece in what the Astros have built.
At the same time, it has been growing painfully obvious that it is time to turn the page and look for other options in the rotation.
McCullers simply isn't giving the lineup a chance to consistently win at this stage of his career, and continues to regress at an alarming rate. His declining performance has made it clear that if the right trade presents itself, the franchise should turn the page.
While it won't be easy to say goodbye to the popular starter, the lack of production would make the decision far easier to swallow. McCullers isn't playing to Houston's standard, demanding a reset.
Astros Should Consider Trading Lance McCullers Before Deadline
Trading McCullers isn't about what you can get in return, but focused on improving the current rotation. Adding an arm who is capable of making a postseason start and giving your lineup a chance.
From everything we've seen this season, McCullers simply isn't that guy any longer. Trading the veteran starter is both about improvement and giving a respected piece a chance at improving after a change of scenery. He's currently 2-4 with a 6.48 ERA and minus-0.7 WAR amid the All-Star break.
Looking at potential landing spots, the Atlanta Braves stand out as a team desperate for starting pitching. Four of the team's starters currently sit on the injured list, with the struggling organization attempting to patch together innings with bullpen starts. McCullers would have a chance to turn the page with a franchise without having the playoff expectations he is currently facing.
The Braves would be happy just to have another arm to lean on, even if the results weren't as impressive as the team might be used to watching. No matter the landing spot, though, it is clear that the Astros need to turn the page on McCullers before his struggles worsen.