Essential Blue Jays pitcher still one of MLB's biggest bargains ahead of arbitration

The Toronto Blue Jays are said to be shopping in the free agent market for pitching upgrades this offseason. They already have Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber and José Berrios as their top four options and there are plenty of high upside names currently waiting to sign on the dotted line.

Toronto has been linked to Ranger Suarez, Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez, but they may already have an in-house option who is perfectly capable of filling out the back end of the rotation, and he'll be doing it for a bargain.

Essential Blue Jays pitcher still one of MLB's biggest bargains ahead of arbitration

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.

He compiled a 3.18 ERA in 104.2 innings pitched, with 102 strikeouts, a 134 ERA+ and a WHIP of 1.108. He was worth 2.2 bWAR and the Blue Jays should gladly take that type of production again from the 30-year-old left hander.

However, they could surprise everyone and decide not to tender Lauer a contract. 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.

MLB teams have to make their decisions known on whether they will tender their arbitration eligible players a contract before the deadline on Friday and Lauer is one of the Blue Jays currently awaiting the teams decision. At that projected price, the versatility that Lauer gives the Blue Jays is just too good to pass up. They might try to entice Lauer with a longer term deal for a lower AAV - potentially a two or three year contract at $2-3 million but that just feels like splitting hairs if your the Blue Jays.

Getting that contract tendered to Lauer would actually give the Blue Jays a lot more peace of mind as they continue to negotiate with other players on the market. Knowing that they have Lauer already in tow should give them the confidence they need to play the market the way they want and don't have to be forced into deals they aren't comfortable with.