​The Houston Astros entered 2026 with only three players remaining from their 2017 World Series team. It’s now just one.With the trade deadline approaching in just over two weeks, the Astros got ahead of the rush by dealing right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers, MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart reported Wednesday. Colton Gordon, a 27-year-old left-handed pitcher, is also going to Milwaukee in the deal.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMcCullers, shortstop Carlos Correa and second baseman Jose Altuve were the only players left from the Astros’ title-winning effort nine years ago. It was a memorable playoff run for McCullers, as he tossed four scoreless innings to close out the ALCS.McCullers’ time in MLB has been rocky since then, primarily due to injury. He missed the entire 2019 season after Tommy John surgery and missed another 2 1/2 seasons following flexor tendon surgery in 2023. This year, McCullers is 2-3 with a 6.86 ERA, and he’s been on the IL since May 19 due to right shoulder inflammation.Let’s grade the trade.Astros get: salary relief, unnamed prospectAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBrewers get: RHP Lance McCullers Jr., LHP Colton GordonHouston’s pitching depth didn’t leave much room for McCullers, who’s been oft-injured and ineffective the last few seasons. McCullers must’ve thought more opportunity awaited him in Milwaukee, as he waived his no-trade clause to make the deal happen. Ultimately, this is a salary dump for Houston as McCullers is making $17 million in the final year of his five-year, $85 million contract. The Astros will even pay some of that $17 million, according to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale. The move made financial sense for Houston, but seeing someone who’s meant so much to the franchise be pushed out the door has to sting for fans. GRADE: CThe Brewers have dealt with injuries to their pitching staff and needed another arm, so McCullers was their guy. It’s a risky move considering McCullers has quite the checkered injury history himself, but for such a low cost, why not make the gamble? It’s unclear which prospect the Brewers are giving up in the deal, but Nightengale reports it’s no one significant as this was mostly a cost-cutting move by Houston. While it’s unlikely we see McCullers return to his previous career heights, it’s not impossible, and that alone gives Milwaukee the edge in this deal. GRADE: C+This article originally appeared on For The Win: Lance McCullers Jr. trade grades: Who won Astros and Brewers deal?