Overview
- An arbitration panel on February 11 set Lauer’s 2026 salary at the Blue Jays’ $4.4 million figure after he filed for $5.75 million.
- Lauer said he was “pretty disappointed” with the ruling and believes his late-season relief role counted against him, according to reporters Hazel Mae and Mitch Bannon.
- The left-hander worked as a hybrid starter and reliever in 2025, posting a strong ERA and then pitching exclusively out of the bullpen in September and throughout the postseason.
- He plans to compete for a starting job this spring and opened Grapefruit League play with a start against the Phillies.
- Toronto’s rotation picture is crowded after the $210 million Dylan Cease signing, the addition of Cody Ponce, the rise of Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios’ likely role alongside ace Kevin Gausman.