In 2025, Eric Lauer was important for the Blue Jays. He was proof that a good team needs depth on the mound to have a successful season.
It’s not complicated: at times, he was the Blue Jays’ best starter last year.
However, whenever the club had complicated decisions to make, it was Lauer who suffered. He’s the one who was sent to the pen because he’s not a star.
He always accepted his role.
And for 2026, when everyone had assumed he was going to return to the bullpen, he spoke publicly to say he’s not exactly happy with the way he’s lined up to be used.
In interview with Gregor Chisholm (Toronto Star)the pitcher said he expects to be a full-time starter in 2026 and feels some frustration with the situation, which has changed since his discussions with Toronto management.
Warning: Lauer isn’t upset that the club has good guys in the rotation. It has to be clear.
Currently, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce and Jose Berrios are lined up to start the season in the rotation. Shane Bieber, who is getting better, is also in the hierarchy, he who will start the season late.
What angers Lauer is that he claims he was told certain things last year. The departures of Chris Bassitt (Baltimore) and Max Scherzer (free agent) in addition to the words of his bosses opened doors for him.
But ultimately, no.
Obviously, Lauer is going to do his best and he probably knows that the inevitable Injuries will possibly end up opening a door for him at some point. But right now he’s angry.
Even if he will get the start on Saturday (during the club’s first preparatory match), that does not mean that, as if by magic, a door will open for him for the start of the season.
Let’s also remember that in recent weeks, he lost in arbitration against the Blue Jays. It was an important case since the Blue Jays offered him less money than in his last year in the Majors before leaving for Asia. This had never been seen before.
He will earn $4.4 million instead of $5.75 million. Is this one of the sources of frustration?
- Pat Murphy: New three-year contract and one year option for the Brewers in 2029. The manager is not going anywhere.
- Kazuma Okamoto will play on Saturday.
- Paul Skenes doesn’t want an innings limit.
- Bob Melvin: special assistant for baseball operations in Sacramento.
- Steven Kwan will play some center field in camp.
