Blue Jays' 30-Year-Old Star Likely Not Extended, Insider Says

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Despite having what many consider to be his best season in years, one Toronto Blue Jays pitcher may soon find himself on the move. After missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, 30-year-old Eric Lauer signed a minor league contract with the team. He was called up to the major leagues in April and quickly made an impact.

Lauer made 28 appearances for the Blue Jays this season, starting 15 games. He posted a solid 3.18 ERA and struck out 102 batters. His performance was impressive, especially considering the challenges he faced after returning from injury. However, despite his success, there are questions about his future with the team.

One key factor is that Lauer is only arbitration-eligible for one more season before becoming a free agent. This means that the Blue Jays will have to decide whether to offer him a contract extension or let him walk after the 2026 season. With several new pitching additions made this offseason, some analysts believe that the team may not want to commit long-term to Lauer.

Sportsnet’s Nick Ashbourne recently predicted that the Blue Jays may choose not to extend Lauer after next season. He pointed out that while Lauer exceeded expectations in 2025, there is still some skepticism about his performance. This is because it was his first strong MLB campaign since 2022. Ashbourne also noted that signing a player who is expected to play a long relief role could be a risky move.

Another consideration is Lauer’s potential resistance to signing with a team that has shown reluctance to use him as a starter when other options are available. He may prefer to position himself as a back-of-the-rotation candidate in free agency following the 2026 season. This could mean that he might seek a different opportunity where he can start more games and showcase his full potential.

Lauer has been a valuable contributor to the Blue Jays both in the starting rotation and the bullpen this season. His ability to pitch effectively in multiple roles has made him a versatile asset. However, maintaining that level of performance next season will be crucial for his future with the team.

With the recent additions to the pitching staff, it's possible that the Blue Jays may look to build around younger players or invest in other areas of the roster. This could make it less likely for them to extend Lauer’s contract after the 2026 season.

As the team looks ahead to the future, the decision regarding Lauer will be an important one. It will depend on how well he performs in the coming seasons and whether the Blue Jays see him as a long-term fit for their pitching staff.

For now, fans will be watching closely to see if Lauer can maintain his strong performance and whether the Blue Jays will choose to keep him on the roster beyond next season. The outcome of these decisions could have significant implications for both the team and the pitcher.