Announcement made in Eric Lauer versus Toronto Blue Jays arbitration hearing
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An update has emerged regarding Eric Lauer’s arbitration case with the Toronto Blue Jays.
It has been a whirlwind offseason for Toronto Blue Jays’ left-hander Eric Lauer.
Lauer married his longtime partner Emily last month, navigated the arbitration process, and now sits just six days away from pitchers and catchers reporting, making the timing of a contract resolution increasingly important.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, Lauer and the Blue Jays already went through their arbitration hearing last Tuesday. A ruling is expected to be handed down sometime next week.
In other lefty arbitration news, #BlueJays LHP Eric Lauer had his hearing on Tuesday. The decision is expected at some point next week.
Arbitration hearing decision likely to go Lauer's way based on the numbers
Toronto was able to avoid arbitration earlier this winter by reaching agreements with Daulton Varsho, Ernie Clement, and Tyler Heineman in early January. However, the club was unable to come to terms with Lauer ahead of the hearing.
Lauer submitted a salary figure of $5.75 million for the 2026 season, while the Blue Jays countered at $4.4 million—a difference of $1.35 million.
While modest by MLB standards, the gap adds an intriguing layer to the case.
As is standard in arbitration, the panel will choose one of the two submitted figures, rather than splitting the difference.
After signing a minor-league deal with Toronto last offseason, Lauer opened the 2025 campaign at Triple-A before forcing his way into the major-league picture.
Recalled in late April, he quickly became an important contributor to the pitching staff.
Over 104.2 innings, Lauer posted a strong 3.18 ERA while serving in both starting and relief roles.
The 30-year-old also appeared five times during Toronto’s postseason run, allowing a 3.12 ERA across 8.2 innings.
Prior to his stint with the Blue Jays, Lauer spent the 2024 season in the KBO after earlier MLB stops with the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers.
The organization’s most recent arbitration hearing before this one came with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the spring of 2024.
No matter how the ruling shakes out, Lauer remains a crucial piece in bridging the Blue Jays’ rotation to the back end of the bullpen.
A decision is expected next week—but regardless of the number, Lauer appears ready to compete and contribute as the season approaches.
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