Despite having his best season in years, one Toronto Blue Jays pitcher’s time with the team may be coming to an end soon. After missing the entire 2024 season, 30-year-old hurler Eric Lauer signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was called up in April to the big leagues. Lauer made 28 appearances for Toronto this season, starting 15 games, and posted a 3.18 ERA while striking out 102 batters.
Lauer’s performance this season has been impressive, but it comes at a crucial time for his career. As an arbitration-eligible player, he will only have one more season before becoming a free agent. With the Blue Jays making several additions to their pitching staff this offseason, there is speculation that the team may not extend Lauer’s contract after the 2026 season.
Sportsnet’s Nick Ashbourne has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the Blue Jays might be hesitant to commit to Lauer long-term. “Lauer exceeded all reasonable expectations by a significant margin in 2025, but some skepticism is warranted considering it was his first strong MLB campaign since 2022,” Ashbourne wrote. “Buying high on a player who’s slated for a long relief role seems like a dicey bit of business.”
Ashbourne also pointed out that Lauer could be resistant to signing with a team that has shown reluctance to use him as a starter when other options arise. “He may want a chance to position himself as a back-of-the-rotation candidate in free agency following the 2026 season.”
Lauer has been a valuable asset for the Blue Jays this season, contributing both as a starter and in the bullpen. His ability to adapt to different roles has made him a versatile option for the team. However, with the addition of new pitchers this offseason, the Blue Jays may look to build a deeper rotation and reduce their reliance on Lauer.
It remains to be seen whether Lauer can maintain his current level of performance next season. If he continues to perform well, he could become a more attractive option for other teams looking to bolster their pitching staff. On the other hand, if his performance dips, the Blue Jays may find it easier to move on from him.
The decision to extend Lauer’s contract will depend on several factors, including his continued success, the team’s needs, and the availability of other pitching options. For now, the focus is on how Lauer will perform in the upcoming season and whether he can solidify his place in the Blue Jays’ rotation.
As the team prepares for the 2026 season, fans will be watching closely to see if Lauer can continue to deliver the kind of performances that have made him a key player this year. Whether he stays with the Blue Jays or moves on to another team, his impact on the game has already been significant.
