​Why Astros included Colton Gordon in surprising Lance McCullers Jr. trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to Jon Heyman, along with the veteran right-hander, Houston is also sending away left-hander Colton Gordon.The 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 team control till the 2028 season. He can offer rotation depth to the Brewers, who are expected to make a deep run in the postseason this year.MORE:Why Astros are trading Lance McCullers to the BrewersAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementColton Gordon made his debut for Houston in 2025 after being picked in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB draft. He had strong seasons in Double-A and Triple-A as he made his way through the Astros’ farm system.In 2026, Houston has only used him in four games, including one start. He has posted a dismal 11.57 ERA in 9.1 innings, including 11 strikeouts against two walks. Last season, he made 20 appearances, including 14 starts, posting a 6-4 record and 5.34 ERA in 86.0 innings.Gordon’s strikeout ability makes him a standout candidate for long-term upside. With the postseason in sight, Milwaukee must have found the southpaw as someone they can turn to if there are any injuries. With three more years under team control, the club can turn him into a major league ace, as there is some upside.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOverall, while McCullers was the reason behind the trade idea in the first place, the inclusion of Gordon made sure the deal went through.Rintaro Sasaki has a big choice to make between MLB and NPBCC Sabathia’s son gets drafted by one of his former teamsAfter 9 years in the minor leagues, a magical moment for Tigers catcherHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior Caminero