It's not often that a former All-Star falls into your lap without giving up any significant assets, but that's what Milwaukee Brewers GM Matt Arnold just pulled off by acquiring Lance McCullers Jr. from the Houston Astros. In return, they gave up cash considerations and Jadyn Fielder, son of former Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent two years ago.
Ultimately, the cost was negligible for the Brewers, who take on the remainder of McCullers' considerable salary, reported at $7 million by 620 WTMJ's Dominic Cotroneo. Although a sum of money like that is nothing to stick your nose up at, the Brewers still retain one of the most balanced cap sheets in baseball. His addition shouldn't have any significant ramifications for the Brewers' financial flexibility.
Based on his stats alone, McCullers probably doesn't seem like a significant addition, but this is a bet on his body of work over the course of a career. Injuries have plagued him over the last four seasons, with only 94.2 innings pitched between this season and last. However, McCullers has an All-Star pedigree from his appearance in 2017 and received votes for the Cy Young Award as recently as 2021.
While this deal won't make or break the Brewers in any significant way, it's a smart business move for the upside that they can rehabilitate McCullers' value and add a championship-caliber starting pitcher to their rotation for the post-All-Star push.
Lance McCullers Jr. can revitalize his career with the Brewers without any pressure if it doesn't pan out.
Let's reemphasize that this is the last year of Lance McCullers Jr.'s massive payday, so the Brewers are only on the hook for this season. If the injuries keep up or he can't find his rhythm with the team, Milwaukee can cut bait next season and move on like nothing ever happened.
But obviously, that's not the goal or outlook here. The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the best player development and training programs in the entire MLB over the last several seasons. McCullers himself must be excited by the prospect of working with this group, as proven by the fact that he waived his no-trade clause to allow the deal to go through.
It's hard to imagine that he sees this as anything other than a huge opportunity to transition into the next phase of his career. At 32 years old, McCullers has enough experience to be a veteran, but is still young enough to play plenty more ball if he can stay healthy. And if he's able to reassert himself as a Playoff performer and consistent option for the Brewers down the stretch of the season, McCullers could find a new home in Milwaukee, or earn a hefty new paycheck elsewhere.
What this means for the rest of the Brewers' trade deadline is yet to be determined, but this is a great budget option that helps a young team preserve the farm while pushing closer to being a serious Playoff threat, and that's an undeniable step in the right direction.
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