Lance McCullers Jr.
Astros ace with a devastating curveball and a 2017 World Series ring.
Lance Graye McCullers Jr. (born October 2, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros. He has spent his entire Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Astros. The Astros selected McCullers in the Competitive Balance Round A of the 2012 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2015 and was an All-Star in 2017.
Quick Facts
- Team
- Houston Astros (2015–2021)
- Debut year
- 2015
- Major honors
- World Series Champion 2017, All-Star Selections
Lore & Background
McCullers graduated from Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida, and was named the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year in 2012. He was selected by the Houston Astros in the Competitive Balance Round A, with the 41st overall selection, of the 2012 MLB draft and signed for a $2.5 million signing bonus. He made his MLB debut on May 18, 2015. In 2017, he was an All-Star and threw 24 consecutive curveballs in Game 4 of the ALCS to earn his first career save, sending the Astros to the World Series, which they won. He underwent Tommy John surgery in November 2018 and missed the 2019 season. In 2021, he signed a five-year, $85 million contract extension. After missing the 2024 season due to injury, he remains under contract with the Astros through the 2026 season.
Reader's Guide
McCullers is a right-handed pitcher known for his curveball, which he threw 47.4% of the time in 2018, tops in MLB. He led the major leagues in walks in 2021 with 76. He has a career-high 12 strikeouts in a game, achieved twice: on July 6, 2018, and on May 28, 2025. He earned his 50th career win on June 3, 2025.
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