Lance McCullers Jr.

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 first round, 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 ALDS 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 made his season debut on May 4, 2025.

In Their Own Story

The Houston night air hung heavy over the mound as McCullers adjusted his cap, eyes locked on the batter. The stadium lights reflected off the dew on the grass, illuminating the tension in the seventh inning. A hush fell over the stands; everyone knew what was coming next. He wound up and released the slider, a blur of motion that vanished before it hit the zone. The catcher snapped the mitt shut, and the roar erupted instantly from the bleachers.

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.

Did You Know?

• McCullers threw 24 consecutive curveballs to retire the last six batters in Game 4 of the 2017 ALDS.
• He was the first pitcher in postseason history to allow five home runs in a game, doing so in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series.
• McCullers missed the entire 2024 season due to a flexor tendon injury and a bone spur removal.