Blue Jays Shake Things Up

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to shake things up with the recent signing of left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer on a minor league contract, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand. Lauer will be joining the major league camp this spring as a non-roster invitee, which opens the door for his potential return to the big leagues. Should he make the roster, Lauer’s deal includes a base salary of $2.2 million, accompanied by additional incentives tied to his performance on the mound.

Lauer's Rollercoaster Journey

At just 29 years old, Lauer's journey in Major League Baseball has been a rollercoaster ride. Drafted in the first round by the San Diego Padres in 2016, he made a name for himself in both San Diego and especially with the Milwaukee Brewers. His most notable trade came in 2019 when he, alongside Luis Urias, was acquired by the Brewers in a deal that sent Trent Grisham and Zach Davies to the Padres.

Early Career Promise

Lauer’s early career showcased promise as he recorded a respectable 4.40 ERA spanning over 261 innings with the Padres. However, it was during his tenure with the Brewers that he began to show flashes of brilliance. In 2021, after incorporating a new slider into his arsenal, Lauer finished the season strong, posting an impressive 2.23 ERA over his last 80 2/3 innings. He followed that up with a strong start in 2022, registering a 2.38 ERA in his first 10 outings.

Injury Setbacks

Unfortunately, injuries began to plague Lauer, impacting his performance significantly. His 2023 season was marred by a reduction in velocity and a troubling 5.48 ERA by late May. Struggling with shoulder issues, Lauer missed significant time on the injured list, which stunted any hopes of a breakout season. Furthermore, he split the 2024 season between Triple-A teams for the Pirates and Astros before joining the Kia Tigers in the Korea Baseball Organization. Consistently, he faced struggles with an ERA hovering around or exceeding 5.00 at each stop.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for Lauer as he seeks to reclaim his status as a formidable starter. The Blue Jays are taking a no-risk approach with this non-roster deal, banking on Lauer’s prior success and experience in the major leagues. With over four years of big league service time, if he finds his footing, Lauer could contribute to the team for multiple seasons.

The Big Question

As the Blue Jays prepare for the spring season, the question on everyone's mind remains: Can Eric Lauer revive his career and become the ace he once threatened to be? Only time will tell, but the stakes for both Lauer and the Jays could not be higher. Keep your eyes peeled for what might be a thrilling comeback story!