Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is calling for a return to basic human decency after revealing that his family, including his two young daughters, received death threats in the wake of his recent performance on the mound. The right-hander, a two-time World Series champion, opened up about the disturbing messages that followed his rough outing in the Astros’ 13-9 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on May 10.
In candid remarks to the media, McCullers expressed disbelief and frustration over the vitriol directed not just at him—but at his children.
“I understand people are very passionate and people love the Astros and love sports,” McCullers said. “But threatening to find my kids and murder them is a little bit tough to deal with just as a father, I think.”
McCullers, 31, has been a part of the Astros organization for over a decade, contributing to the franchise’s 2017 and 2022 World Series titles. After battling injuries and missing two full seasons, he returned to action on May 4 with a promising start. But in his second outing, the veteran gave up seven runs in the first inning before being pulled—a performance that drew backlash on social media, including threats aimed at his family.
While McCullers acknowledged criticism is part of being a public figure, he drew a firm line when it comes to personal safety and family.
“There have been many, many threats over the years aimed at me,” he said. “But I think bringing kids into the equation… things like that, it’s tough to hear as a dad.”
Astros manager Joe Espada echoed that outrage, visibly shaken as he addressed the issue postgame. “There are people who are threatening his life and the life of his kids because of his performance,” Espada said. “It is very unfortunate… After all he’s done for this city, for his team… it really drives me nuts that we have to deal with this.”
Espada emphasized that McCullers is still working his way back after not pitching for over two years. “This can’t happen,” he said firmly. “I’m really upset that this can happen to athletes.”
McCullers, the son of former MLB pitcher Lance McCullers Sr., debuted with the Astros in 2015 and was an All-Star in 2017. Though injuries—including Tommy John surgery—have challenged his career, he has remained a beloved figure in Houston’s clubhouse and community. His commitment to the team is unwavering, but he made it clear that no level of professional scrutiny should justify threats to a player’s family.
“At the end of the day, I just want to do my job,” he said. “But… there should be some type of decency.”
The incident raises broader questions about the responsibilities of fans in the age of social media. While passion for sports is often celebrated, the line between criticism and cruelty has become dangerously blurred. For McCullers and many athletes like him, the consequences of that imbalance are no longer confined to the ballpark—they’re deeply personal.
Opinion: Sports fandom should never override humanity. If we expect athletes to perform at the highest level, we must also recognize their vulnerability—and protect their families from becoming collateral damage.
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