The Blue Jays had many heroes in their World Series run this season. However, one stood out from the rest. Eric Lauer wasn’t even a part of the team until April 30, but he became a reliable pitcher from May onward. But with his 1 yr(s) / $5.3 million (arb) deal ending, he is now a restricted free agent. With the Blue Jays set to recapture their 2025 magic, baseball analyst Steve Phillips believes the Blue Jays shouldn’t be done with him yet.

“If I’m them, I’ll go get Lauer back as well,” Phillips said today on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “I think he’s a very effective, serviceable guy that’s going to be in a reasonably priced area. I bring him back in, too, if he’s willing.”

When the Blue Jays signed Lauer from Triple-A Buffalo at the end of April 2025 with an option for 2026, he was always considered a low-risk, high-return investment for the team. He, for one, did not miss the opportunity, providing them with some iconic moments.

Most notably, his elite 4.2 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the marathon 18-inning World Series. In that game, he escaped a bases-loaded jam. But his entire season in Toronto was a standout:

• He pitched a 3.77 ERA in 15 starts and a 1.76 ERA in 13 bullpen appearances.
• Overall, his 3.18 ERA was the lowest of anyone who started a game for the Blue Jays in 2025, excluding openers.
• The team went 12-3 in his starts and 22-6 in all his regular-season appearances.

Although neither the team nor Lauer has addressed the situation, sealing him in would be for the best for Toronto. 

“He’s great…. He’s been awesome all year. I’m happy for him because he’s been through it. And anything we’ve asked of him, he’s done it. It’s not surprising one bit,” added Ernie Clement after the six-hour, 39-minute Game 3 ended, pointing to how important the pitcher has become for the squad.

Jose Alfonso Taboada from the Jays Journal also echoed the same sentiment.

“With Bieber’s opting in, the starting rotation maintains most of its strength that helped take Toronto to the World Series,” he wrote. “As of now, the most likely candidates for the starting rotation would be Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios. The fifth spot remains up in the air and could be filled with names like Eric Lauer….”

Now, with multiple contracts hanging in the air, Toronto abruptly finds itself juggling pitching priorities. However, they have finalized Bieber’s future with the team to go on a repeat mission.

Blue Jays sign Shane Bieber for one more run

Just one day after WEEI’s Rob Bradford predicted that the Red Sox might be eyeing the Jays starter Shane Bieber, MLB insider Jon Heyman broke all the trade talk predictions with his post. “Shane Bieber has opted in with the Blue Jays for $16M. Wants to continue in Toronto for another year with the Jays.” Shane Bieber followed his gut and passed on a $4 million buyout.

Although he wanted to stay with the team, Phillips had pointed out another reason for his stay: “For Bieber, maybe some unfinished business with giving up that home run is wanting to be part of turning around. But I got to tell you, this is a big bonus for Toronto. I mean, this is huge for them. In starting their offseason plan to not have to replace Bieber.”

After being acquired from the Guardians, he was 4-2 and posted a 3.57 earned-run average with the Jays. He posted a 2-1 record in the postseason with a 3.86 ERA. The star also earned a Game 4 road win against the Dodgers in the World Series. And now, the Jays are optimistic that Bieber will deliver an elite performance in the next season, too. Only time will tell if the Blue Jays’ repeat plan also includes Lauer.

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