Why Lauer could play a unique role this year due to another Blue Jays' slow build up

Eric Lauer wants to be a part of the Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation in 2026. That's where he spent part of 2025, making 15 starts for the Blue Jays, during which he carried a 3.77 ERA. However, the time he spent as a reliever was when he really shone for the Blue Jays. In 30.2 innings out of the bullpen, he had a 1.76 ERA and held batters to a .144 batting average against.

Lauer faces tough competition for a spot in the starting rotation. Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and José Berrios are all returning. Shane Bieber picked up his player option with the Blue Jays for the 2026 season, though he will miss the start of the season while he recovers from forearm fatigue. The Blue Jays acquired Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce during the offseason, and most recently, re-signed Max Scherzer to a one-year deal.

Where Lauer may find a role, though not the one he envisioned, is in helping the Blue Jays manage Yesavage's workload. The Blue Jays plan to be cautious with Yesavage to start the season. After his meteoric rise through the minors to playing a major role in the Blue Jays' run to the World Series, this season will look a lot different for Yesavage. To avoid overworking the young pitcher, the Blue Jays will manage his innings, particularly at the start of the season. That could be where Lauer finds his place.

Eric Lauer in a depth role could be a huge benefit as Blue Jays build up Yesavage

Though it's not the starting role he coveted, Lauer could fill in as a long reliever on days when Yesavage starts. With Yesavage only expected to pitch up to four innings to start the season, Lauer could come in after him. That could help take pressure off the bullpen.

Lauer's spring training performance hasn't helped his case for being in the starting rotation. In his first start, he gave up three runs to the Tampa Bay Rays in 1.2 innings of work. He fared better on Thursday in his start against the Atlanta Braves, giving up one run and three hits in 2.1 innings.

Lauer is a free agent at the end of this season. While he's targeting a place in the Blue Jays' starting rotation, he may have to settle for a long reliever role, at least to start the season. While the Blue Jays have a log jam in the starting rotation, there are a lot of question marks.

Bieber will have a late start. Berrios is coming back after a down year in 2025. Scherzer is in his 19th MLB season, and Yesavage may need extra rest time. With so many uncertainties in the rotation, Lauer may still have plenty of opportunities to start.