Astros’ Lance McCullers Under 24-Hour Security After Death Threats to Family

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers is under 24-hour security after he and his family received chilling death threats following a tough game. The 31-year-old right-hander, a veteran of the mound, revealed the harrowing impact on his family, including a heart-wrenching moment when his five-year-old daughter overheard a conversation about the threats. She asked me, ‘Daddy, what are threats? Who wants to hurt us?’ McCullers shared, his voice heavy with emotion. Those are conversations no parent should have to navigate.

Swift action followed. The Astros, in coordination with MLB security and the Houston Police Department, ensured protection for McCullers’ family, with the investigation still ongoing. The team already stations uniformed officers in the family section of games, a precaution predating this incident, and offers mental health support to players grappling with such abuse. McCullers, who battled back from two seasons sidelined by injuries, called this the worst thing in his career. He gets the passion of fans—boos and criticism come with the game—but death threats? That’s a moral line crossed, he says, one that leaves his family feeling unsafe at home and in the stands.

This isn’t an isolated case. Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks, a cancer survivor, recently called out disgusting and vile threats against his life and his wife’s, including cruel comments wishing he’d died from cancer. The venom from some corners of fandom has players like McCullers retreating from public spaces, a human reaction to inhuman cruelty. Fans want wins, but at what cost? When threats target players’ kids, it’s time to rethink what it means to root for the home team.