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Lauer Wants Starts, Jays Want Flexibility: Trade Looming?
23 Feb
Summary
- Eric Lauer seeks a starting role, but the Blue Jays value his pitching flexibility.
- Lauer lost arbitration, earning less than prior year, impacting his future earnings.
- Teams like the Twins and Braves have pitching injuries, potentially aiding a trade.
Eric Lauer has made his preference for a starting pitcher role clear, a stance that contrasts with the Toronto Blue Jays' appreciation for his versatile swingman capabilities. Lauer wants to lock in mentally and physically as a starter, a role he held from 2018 to 2022. Last season, he posted a 3.00 ERA from June 1 to August 1 as a starter.
His flexibility, however, is highly valued by the Blue Jays, offering both lefty relief and rotation depth. This trait earned him praise and made him an "unsung MVP" for the team last year. Lauer also made notable postseason relief appearances, including 4 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the World Series.
Lauer's situation is complicated by a recent arbitration hearing outcome. He filed for $5.75 million but was awarded $4.4 million by the arbitrator, which is less than his 2023 salary. Lauer believes ending the 2025 season in the bullpen cost him approximately $1.35 million in arbitration.
With free agency approaching after the 2026 season, Lauer aims to prove his worth as a full-time starter to secure a significant payday. However, the Blue Jays' current roster, including pitchers like Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease, and potential additions like Max Scherzer, limits his immediate starting opportunities.
This potential surplus of pitching talent could lead to a trade, especially with teams like the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves experiencing spring pitching injuries. The Blue Jays manager, John Schneider, acknowledged Lauer's desire to start while emphasizing the benefit of his flexibility, stating they want to "stretch him out like a traditional starter" while retaining the option for him to pitch in relief.
Ultimately, the Blue Jays face a decision: accommodate Lauer's starting aspirations or leverage his flexibility, potentially through a trade. If the team's biggest challenge is having too many strong pitching options, it positions them well as spring training progresses, though rotation realities may necessitate difficult choices.
