Lance McCullers signs big five-year contract extension with Astros

With their pitching staff in flux, the Houston Astros have locked down a player they hope will be one of their anchors for years to come.

As first reported by Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston, starting pitcher Lance McCullers has agreed to a five-year contract extension. ESPN’s Jeff Passan added that the deal will be worth $85 million.

Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. and the Houston Astros are in agreement on a five-year, $85 million contract extension, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 24, 2021

That’s a nice payday for McCullers, who reestablished himself as a quality starter in 2020 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The 27-year-old went 3-3 with a 3.93 ERA in 11 starts, striking out 56 batters in 55 innings. Houston will be expecting even better numbers over the course of this contract. He’s also become something of a team leader in the last year.

McCullers would have been a free agent at the end of the 2021 season. The contract kicks in, so he’ll be with Houston through 2026.