"He finished the season with an excellent 3.18 ERA (134 ERA+) and 1.108 WHIP across 104 2/3 innings pitched. These stats were especially impressive considering Lauer delivered them in his return to MLB after a stint pitching abroad in the KBO."
"Lauer's 2026 debut suggested he would pick up right where he left off as he struck out nine batters over 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball against the Athletics on March 29th. Unfortunately, it's been all downhill from there for the left-hander."
"The first and most obvious issue with Lauer is that his velocity is down. He's sitting at just 90.4 mph on his fastball in 2026 compared to 91.7 mph last year. He's throwing his changeup, cutter, slider, and curveball all slower, too. Lauer has never been a velocity guy, but even command artists need some zip on their pitches to keep hitters honest."
"Lauer's stuff isn't as good as it was last year. He recorded a 94 grade in 2025, but that number has tumbled to 87-13% below league average. Each of his four pitches grades worse than last year by this metric. His pitches simply haven't been as effective. While Lauer's overall command still grades as average, he has experienced significant regression in his ability to locate his cutter and his changeup, two of his main weapons against right-handed batters."
Eric Lauer was a major contributor for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025, stabilizing an injury-hit rotation and later performing well in the bullpen. He posted a 3.18 ERA (134 ERA+) and a 1.108 WHIP over 104 2/3 innings, returning to MLB after pitching in the KBO. His 2026 debut was strong, with nine strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings against the Athletics, but results deteriorated afterward. In six weeks, he has a 1-5 record with a 6.69 ERA and 1.49 WHIP after a 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The main issues include reduced fastball velocity and slower secondary pitches, lower overall pitch grades, and regression in locating his cutter and changeup.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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