"Considering what Lauer did for the Blue jays in 2025, it only makes sense that he'll get a raise in 2026. But even if he is set to double his earnings, it still might end up as one of the best contracts the Blue Jays could have on their payroll in 2026. Lauer made $2.3 million last season in a swing role that saw him start 15 games for the Blue Jays and pitch 13 times out of the bullpen."
"It wouldn't make a ton of sense, but stranger things have happened. Especially if the Blue Jays think they can be in play for one of those upper echelon free agent arms. It's not as if the Blue Jays need to penny pinch, they should have lots to spend this offseason, but if they feel that $4.4 million Lauer is predicted to get in arbitration could be better spent elsewhere, then Lauer would become a free agent on Friday evening."
Toronto seeks pitching upgrades this offseason while retaining Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber and José Berrios as top rotation options. Lauer provided versatile swing-role innings in 2025, starting 15 games and relieving 13 times while earning $2.3 million. He posted a 3.18 ERA across 104.2 innings with 102 strikeouts, a 134 ERA+, 1.108 WHIP and 2.2 bWAR. Arbitration projections put Lauer near $4.4 million for 2026, still a bargain relative to his production. The team must decide whether to tender him before the deadline, or non-tender him to pursue higher-profile free agents.
Read at Jays Journal
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