Why Astros included Colton Gordon in surprising Lance McCullers Jr. trade

The Houston Astros made a surprising move on Wednesday by trading away one of the longest-tenured players, Lance McCullers Jr., to the Milwaukee Brewers. However, there is one more name that made the trade possible and intriguing.According to Jon Heyman, along with the veteran right-hander, Houston is also sending away left-hander Colton Gordon.Lefty Colton Gordon is going with McCullers from Astros to Brewers. Crew adding to depth.— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 15, 2026The biggest reason behind this trade was to move McCullers' contract and free up money for the trade deadline. By including Gordon in the deal, Houston sweetened the deal for the Brewers to take a punt on McCullers, who is in the final season of his five-year, $85 million extension.Milwaukee now has Gordon, who is under tea