Astros Pitcher McCullers, Family Receive Death Threats, Security Increased

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has been forced to take serious security measures after receiving disturbing death threats online, some targeted at his five-year-old daughter, Ava, following a poor performance against the Cincinnati Reds. The threats, which included graphic messages about harming his children, led McCullers to hire 24-hour security for his family and prompted the Astros organization to involve MLB security and the Houston Police Department in an ongoing investigation. McCullers shared the heartbreaking moment when his daughter asked him about the threats, revealing the emotional toll the situation has taken on him as a father. Astros owner Jim Crane personally intervened to provide security support, underscoring the severity of the threats. This incident is part of a broader trend of MLB players, including Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks, facing similar harassment and threats, which has driven some players to quit social media. Despite McCullers' struggles on the mound this season, both the Astros and MLB emphasize that such threats against players and their families are unacceptable and are working to address the issue.