WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Add another Astro to the extension wish list.
Impending free agent Lance McCullers Jr. said on Sunday he “undoubtedly” wants to remain with the Astros “well into the future,” but said no talks are ongoing between his representation and the front office.
“I think the real question would be do the Astros see me here? Do the Astros see me as part of their future? Because if the Astros see me as part of their future, as a big part of their future, I would love to stay here if it makes sense for everyone,” McCullers said on Sunday.
“Houston is my home. I’ve poured myself really into the city and I’m going to continue to do so. If the Astros see me as a guy they want to keep and be a part of their future and win more championships, I believe we can get something done because there’s really no other place I want to play.”
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The 27-year-old McCullers is set to enter the open market for the first time as a major leaguer. He missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In his 2020 return, McCullers threw 55 innings and posted a 3.93 ERA.
McCullers is represented by mega-agent Scott Boras, who mostly prefers takes his clients to free agency in lieu of contract extensions. The Astros, however, negotiated a six-year, $151 million extension for Jose Altuve — another one of Boras’ clients — in 2018.
“I have told Scott if the Astros call, if they’re interested in it, that it is something we want to pursue,” McCullers said. “A lot of Boras guys have done extensions. I know that you think of the big contracts and you think of Scott as someone who pushes for his guys. He genuinely loves the guys he represents, so he wants the best for them.”
Since making his major league debut in 2015, McCullers has a 3.70 ERA in 508 ⅔ innings while striking out 10 batters per nine innings. The Astros chose him in the supplemental first round of the 2012 MLB Draft — 40 picks after Carlos Correa went first overall.
Correa is also seeking a long-term contract extension from the Astros. He and McCullers are close friends and have shared similar sentiments regarding free agency. Correa set an opening day deadline for any extension and said he will not negotiate during the regular season.
“These things can come together quickly,” McCullers said. “We’re not creating a new COVID vaccine. This is something that can come together, materialize pretty quick, if the Astros see me as someone they want to keep. I’m more than willing to be here.”
Starting pitching is an obvious area of need for the Astros next winter. They are set to lose McCullers, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke to free agency, leaving the club without a bona fide big league starter to head their rotation.
“They know if they want me here,” McCullers said “If they do, we can get something done. If not, I understand. It’s a business at the end of the day. The Astros have to do what they think is best. Big league pitching, legitimate starting big league pitching, does not grow on trees. And I’m a legitimate big league starter and I’ve worked really hard to get to this point.”
“Preferably I’d be here. But if not, I guess I’ll have 30 auditions with other clubs.”
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Lance McCullers open to long-term contract with Astros: 'No other place I want to play' - Houston Chronicle
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