BREAKING NEWS: Astros, Lance McCullers Jr. agree to a five-year contract extension

For the past two offseasons, the Astros have had to weather multiple star players leave to only sign elsewhere for a variety of reasons. Money, of course, is the most important factor in this kind of negotiation. But for the first time in what feels like forever, Jim Crane has decided to open that pocketbook to keep one of the club’s core players around for the foreseeable future.

Yes, you read that right as Lance McCullers Jr. has agreed to a five-year, $85 million extension to remain an Astro. The extension won’t take effect until the 2022 season and runs through 2026. Our own Dan Martin will have a thorough breakdown of this agreement and its possible effects ready shortly.

Well, at least this development leaves one fewer potential free-agent to worry about next offseason with the long-term fates of Carlos Correa, Justin Verlander, and Zack Greinke up in the air for the club. I’m not sure about you, but I can’t wait for Opening Day now.

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