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Blue Jays’ Eric Lauer Loses Arbitration as Rotation Battle, Trade Talk Grows

His role remains unsettled, with rotation depth plus reported Scherzer talks narrowing his path to starts.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: A detailed view of Toronto Blue Jays hats and gloves before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JULY 24: A detail of the Toronto Blue Jays logo on a hat during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 24, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Feb 23, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios (17) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Mets at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Lauer’s 2026 salary is set at $4.4 million after an arbitration panel sided with Toronto over his $5.75 million filing.
  • Lauer said he was pretty disappointed by the ruling and believes finishing 2025 in the bullpen weakened his case.
  • The left-hander wants a full-time rotation job after a 3.18 ERA across 104 2/3 innings last season split between starting and relief.
  • Manager John Schneider said Lauer will prepare to start but is viewed as a flexible option rather than a guaranteed rotation piece.
  • With a crowded staff featuring Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce — plus reported talks to re-sign Max Scherzer — reporters suggest a trade could be explored if Lauer seeks a firm starting role.