Astros' McCullers at Peace Entering Final Contract Year

Veteran pitcher focused on health and helping team win in potential last season with Houston

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is entering the final year of his contract with the team, and he's at peace with whatever the future holds. After dealing with injuries for much of his career, McCullers is healthy heading into spring training and is focused on contributing to the Astros' success, whether this is his last season in Houston or not.

Why it matters

McCullers has been a key part of the Astros' success over the past decade, including their two World Series championships. As one of the last remaining players from those championship teams, his potential departure would mark the end of an era for the franchise. However, McCullers' willingness to accept whatever the future holds shows his maturity and commitment to the team.

The details

McCullers, a 32-year-old right-hander, is coming off his first healthy offseason in several years and is competing for a spot in the Astros' rotation. In the past, he was a rotation lock when healthy, but the team has added depth this offseason, making his spot less certain. McCullers has dealt with a variety of injuries throughout his career, including a foot sprain, a blister on his right finger, and right hand soreness that sidelined him at various points last season.

  • McCullers is entering the final year of a five-year, $85 million contract with the Astros.
  • He was activated from the injured list for the final game of the 2025 regular season and allowed one run while striking out four batters in three innings.

The players

Lance McCullers Jr.

A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been with the Astros organization since he was 18 years old. He has been a key part of the team's success, including their two World Series championships, but has dealt with injuries throughout his career.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who has observed McCullers' maturity and understanding of his priorities as he enters the final year of his contract.

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What they’re saying

“I have no reservations about my future in baseball. God's blessed me, man. I have two beautiful daughters. I have a beautiful wife. We've been married 10 years, together 16, 17 years, so if the future for me is to be home with them, I'll be happy with that. I'll be content with that, you know? But if the future for me is to be in this game, if I can be healthy and help a team win, I'll be happy with that, too.”

— Lance McCullers Jr. (mlb.com)

“The older you get, you start prioritizing some things in life. We all do that. I've done that, and I think Lance is in a really good place where he understands he's done a lot of things in this game and he wants to continue to contribute and help us win. He can do that.”

— Joe Espada, Astros Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

McCullers is scheduled to throw his first live batting practice session of spring training later this week, followed by his first Grapefruit League outing.

The takeaway

McCullers' willingness to accept whatever the future holds, whether that's retirement or continuing his career with the Astros or elsewhere, shows his maturity and commitment to the game. His focus on his family and his desire to contribute to the team's success in his potential final season in Houston are admirable, and his perspective could serve as an example for other veteran players facing uncertain futures.