MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Might Be Forced To Trade Eric Lauer

February 27, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer reacts during 2025 game.

The Toronto Blue Jays may have a rotation strength on paper, but it’s quickly turning into a roster dilemma, and left-hander Eric Lauer could be the odd man out. 

With a crowded starting staff and Lauer entering the final year of his contract, multiple reports suggest the veteran is emerging as a legitimate trade candidate as spring training unfolds.

Toronto values Lauer’s flexibility, while the 30-year-old wants the stability of a full-time starting role.

Rotation Logjam Puts Eric Lauer on the Outside

Lauer is coming off one of the most effective seasons of his career, posting a 3.18 ERA over 104.2 innings across 28 appearances, including 15 starts. From mid-June through late August, he went 6-1 as a starter while allowing two or fewer runs in 10 of 13 outings, helping stabilize the rotation during a stretch filled with injuries.

Despite that performance, the depth chart is working against him. Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce are all positioned ahead of him, with Shane Bieber expected back later in the season. 

The Blue Jays just re-signed Max Scherzer too, which will make Lauer slide even further down the pecking order.

At the moment, he projects as the No. 6 or even No. 7 starter, which would likely mean another swingman or long-relief role.

Lauer’s Preference to Start Could Drive a Deal

Lauer hasn’t been shy about his stance. “Being able to lock in mentally and physically as a starter is what’s best for me,” he said. “It’s what I normally do. It’s how I normally prepare.”

He also admitted last year’s role changes had consequences: “The whole bouncing back and forth thing last year kind of hurt me in the long run — not physically, but in my standing.”

That frustration carried into the offseason when he lost an arbitration case, which he believes was impacted by finishing the year in the bullpen.

Manager John Schneider has indicated the team will stretch Lauer out like a traditional starter but stopped short of guaranteeing a rotation spot, calling him an “option” and noting that his flexibility is “really, really beneficial.”

For Toronto, pitching depth is valuable after cycling through 15 starters last season. But if Lauer finds himself buried on the depth chart, especially as a pending free agent, a trade could become the best solution for both sides.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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