The Toronto Blue Jays have been lauded for their work this MLB offseason. As they rebound from their Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have made hay while the sun shines this winter. With the additions of Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, Dylan Cease, Nic Enright, and Jorge Alcala (just to name a few), some current Blue Jays will be under severe pressure to secure MLB playing time. One arm that could be affected the most is fan favorite pitcher Eric Lauer.
Most fans are rightly concerned about where Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Alex Bregman end up. However, as far as Bregman is concerned, the predicted outcome is good news for the Blue Jays’ chances of a reunion with Bichette.
With Lauer on an expiring deal, and unless things change drastically, he has one foot out of the door with the other expected to follow once the 2026 season concludes.
Eric Lauer Contract Extension Not in the Cards?
Sportsnet’s Nick Ashbourne believes Lauer is unlikely to sign an extension with the Blue Jays. Despite having a good season, he brings a healthy dose of skepticism to the situation.
“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 on January 1, 2026. “Buying high on a player who’s slated for a long relief role seems like a dicey bit of business. Lauer could also be resistant to signing with a team that’s shown reluctance to use him as a starter when other options arise, and may want a chance to position himself as a back-of-the-rotation candidate in free agency following the 2026 season.”
Considering that Lauer has started 127 of his 148 career games, it makes sense that he would want a gig on an MLB rotation.
While some players are happy just being a part of a winning organization, others want to feel like they are actively helping their team. Now, only one team per season can win the World Series, so that is only one factor to consider for every player.
In 2025, Lauer played in 28 games, 15 of which he started. In 104 2/3 innings of work, he recorded 102 strikeouts, a 9-2 record, one hold, and a 3.18 ERA to go along with a 1.11 WHIP.
Lauer had a solid postseason run as well. The southpaw threw eight strikeouts across eight and 2/3 innings in five games. Additionally, he recorded a 3.12 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP.
How This Offseason May Have Impacted Lauer’s Future With the Blue Jays
Given what Ashbourne said about the Blue Jays’ reluctance to use Lauer when other options (like Shane Bieber) arose, this offseason hasn’t helped that situation. Some insiders, like Jon Heyman, have praised the Blue Jays’ offseason. The unfortunate result is the impact on Lauer.
With Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Ponce, and Cease already in the mix for the rotation, there isn’t really room for anyone else. While Bieber’s health and Berrios’ future with the team are the only serious question marks, there isn’t much budging on this rotation.
Unless Yesavage seriously disappoints in Spring Training (or Lauer seriously impresses), he likely does not land a rotation gig.
The bullpen situation is even more crowded. Currently penciled in are Jeff Hoffman, Yimi Garcia, Louis Varland, Brendon Little, Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty, and Rogers. That’s not to mention other depth bullpen options that have signed this winter. Chase Lee, Spencer Miles, and Alcala all have a shot at cracking the bullpen come Spring Training.
Where does Lauer fit in all of that? If the Blue Jays can’t find a trade suitor for Berrios, what do they do with him? The most reasonable course of action would be a move to the bullpen.
The Writing is on the Wall For Eric Lauer
In summary, the writing may be on the wall for Lauer. He has been a great player for the Blue Jays. However, after coming as close to a World Series as they did, management is pushing its chips in for another crack at the title.
Unfortunately for Lauer, he may be collateral damage, caught in the crosshairs of a championship push.
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