The Toronto Blue Jays have officially signed left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer to a minor league contract, according to reports from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. This move adds depth to the Blue Jays' pitching roster as the team prepares for spring training with mounting needs for both hitting and pitching.
At 29 years old, Lauer's career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Initially drafted by the Blue Jays out of high school, Lauer chose to attend college instead. He was later picked 25th overall by the San Diego Padres during the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft. After joining the Padres, he struggled early on but found his footing during his subsequent four-year stint with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Throughout the 2018 to 2022 seasons, Lauer demonstrated his potential as a reliable starter, logging over 20 starts each year. Notably, during the 2021 season, he showcased his abilities by introducing a new slider, which propelled him to finish the year with impressive statistics: a 2.23 ERA and 23.6% strikeout rate over his final 80.2 innings. His performance continued positively at the start of the 2022 season with a 2.38 ERA and 27.7% strikeout rate over his initial ten starts.
Unfortunately, the following seasons brought challenges. Lauer faced injuries, suffering from elbow inflammation and later, shoulder issues, which contributed to his decline. During 2023, he struggled significantly, recording a 6.56 ERA through 46.2 innings, leading to his being sidelined for much of the season.
The past season saw Lauer pitching for the Kia Tigers in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he registered seven starts with 37 strikeouts but ended up with a 4.93 ERA over 34.2 innings.
Despite past performances and setbacks, the Blue Jays’ recent signing of Lauer signifies their commitment to adding depth to their pitching staff, especially with the challenges presented by injury-prone roster spots. If Lauer manages to impress during spring training, he could solidify his position on the team as part of their rotation depth.
This deal, as reported, is structured as a no-risk, non-roster invite to spring training. If he makes the big league roster, Lauer has the potential to earn around $2.2 million, along with additional incentives based on games played and innings pitched.
The signing of Lauer aligns well with the Blue Jays’ strategy of enhancing their pitching depth. The club has already secured several starting pitchers, including Jose Berrios and Kevin Gausman, but their pursuit of free-agent starters like former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes reveals their intent to be competitive.
At this point, projections suggest Lauer will likely start the season with the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. Still, there remains the possibility of moving up if injuries arise within the major league roster. For Lauer, this latest chapter with the Blue Jays presents both challenges and opportunities as he aims to reclaim his previous status as a stable major league starter.
With the Blue Jays needing versatile arms and solid back-end options, Eric Lauer’s signing could signal both hope and uncertainty. The organization has seen firsthand how injuries can impact the pitching rotation significantly. Lauer will need to prove his resilience and adaptability to stay relevant as competition intensifies.
With many eyes on the Blue Jays and Lauer's potential resurgence, the baseball community is curious to see how this story will develop moving forward. The upcoming spring training will undoubtedly be key for Lauer and could set the tone for the 2025 season.
