Days after acquiring both Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin, the Blue Jays have signed veteran Eric Lauer to a minor league. The signing comes with an roster invite to spring training.
MLB senior reporter Mark Feinsand was first to break the news.
Lauer, who spent 2024 with the Kia Tigers of the KBO League in South Korea, made his debut with the San Diego Padres in 2018, before spending four years with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Most of Lauer's experience is as a starter, though if he makes the team out of spring training, he could also be used in long relief.
Overall for his career, Lauer is 36-37, with a 4.30 ERA in 120 games, 112 of which were starts. He also has 567 strikeouts in just under 600 career innings.
While Lauer has had limited success at the major league level, he was a Korean Series champion last year.
Lauer was originally drafted by the Padres in the 1st round of the 2017 draft as the 25th overall pick.
His Baseball America scouting report indicates he has a great four-pitch arsenal and has the ability to move his fastball both in and out as well as up and down.
With the Tigers last year, he made seven starts and went 2-2 with a 4.93 ERA and 37 strikeouts across 34 2/3 innings.
The signing is a low-risk move for the Blue Jays, and represents crucial depth for their starting rotation behind Jake Bloss.
If he makes the team, he will earn a $2.2 million base salary plus incentives.
As a non-roster invitee, Lauer won't be placed on the 40 man roster but will have a chance to earn a rotation spot with the Blue Jays in spring training.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 170 ANSWERS Blue Jays sign former Brewers, Padres pitcher Is Lauer a good depth piece? | ||
Yes | 90 | 52.9 % |
No | 80 | 47.1 % |
List of polls |