Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. Reflects on Future

Veteran pitcher expresses uncertainty about his baseball career beyond 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. made some cryptic comments about his future, saying he would "love to be good" for the organization and fanbase in what could be his final season with the team in 2026. McCullers struggled with injuries and command issues in 2025, leading to a demotion to the bullpen, and he acknowledged the uncertainty around whether he will continue playing baseball beyond this upcoming season.

Why it matters

McCullers' comments reflect the challenges veteran players face as they approach the end of their careers, balancing their desire to perform well and contribute to the team with the realities of declining skills and uncertain futures. The Astros will need to evaluate McCullers' role and value to the team as they determine their pitching rotation for 2026.

The details

McCullers, 32, is entering the final year of a 5-year contract with the Astros. After a disappointing 2025 season where he went 2-5 with a 6.51 ERA, he will compete with Jason Alexander and Mike Burrows for the fifth spot in the Astros' 2026 rotation. McCullers acknowledged the possibility that 2026 could be his "last year here" with the Astros, and expressed uncertainty about whether he would continue playing baseball beyond that.

  • McCullers struggled with injuries and command issues in the 2025 MLB season.
  • McCullers is entering the final year of a 5-year contract with the Houston Astros in 2026.

The players

Lance McCullers Jr.

A 32-year-old starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is entering the final year of his contract in 2026.

Jason Alexander

A pitcher in the Astros organization who will compete with McCullers for the fifth spot in the 2026 rotation.

Mike Burrows

A pitcher in the Astros organization who will compete with McCullers for the fifth spot in the 2026 rotation.

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What they’re saying

“I would love to be good, not because I want to necessarily continue to play, but just because I would love to be good for this organization and this fanbase in my last year here. And then if playing comes beyond that, it does.”

— Lance McCullers Jr. (X)

What’s next

McCullers will compete with Alexander and Burrows for the fifth spot in the Astros' 2026 starting rotation, with his performance likely determining whether he continues his MLB career beyond that season.

The takeaway

McCullers' reflective comments highlight the difficult position veteran players face as they approach the end of their careers, balancing their desire to contribute with the uncertainty of their future. The Astros will need to carefully evaluate McCullers' role and value as they build their 2026 pitching staff.