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The Los Angeles Dodgers may look to add pitching depth before the 2026 season begins. One name that has surfaced in trade discussion is Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer.The conversation comes during spring training as teams evaluate their rosters before Opening Day.
Lauer finished the 2025 season strongly, and Toronto currently has several rotation options.
That situation has created speculation that the Blue Jays could move him in a deal that helps both teams.
Proposed Trade Package Between Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays
One suggested trade would send Lauer to Los Angeles Dodgers. In return, the Dodgers would trade shortstop prospect Kellon Lindsey and right-handed pitcher Brooks Auger to Toronto Blue Jays.Lauer is scheduled to earn $4.4 million in 2026 after losing his arbitration case.
Because of the modest salary, the deal would not require cash adjustments. If both teams agree, the trade would be simple to complete before the season starts.
Los Angeles Dodgers Looking for Rotation Insurance
The Dodgers expect their starting rotation to include Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Emmet Sheehan, and Roki Sasaki.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) (Image via AP Photo)
Sasaki has struggled in spring training, which has created some concern about the back end of the rotation. The team also has injuries in the pitching staff.
Reliever Evan Phillips is expected to miss time after Tommy John surgery, which reduces the number of pitchers who can move between starting and relief roles.Lauer could fill that gap. He has experience as both a starter and a reliever and could cover innings if one of the starters struggles or misses time.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Rotation Depth Creates Trade Possibility
Toronto Blue Jays also have questions in their pitching staff because of injuries. Bowden Francis will miss the entire 2026 season after Tommy John surgery.
Shane Bieber is being brought back carefully because of arm fatigue. Anthony Santander is expected to miss five to six months.Even with those injuries, the Blue Jays still have several pitchers who can start. José Berríos leads the rotation, and pitchers such as Dylan Cease provide additional depth. In that situation, Lauer could end up as the sixth starter or move to the bullpen.Trading him now would allow Toronto to add prospects while creating roster flexibility before he becomes a free agent.
Eric Lauer’s 2025 Performance
Eric Lauer, a 30-year-old left-handed pitcher, had a strong 2025 season. He appeared in 28 games and started 15 of them. He finished with a 9–2 record, a 3.18 ERA, and 102 strikeouts in 104.2 innings.He was especially effective late in the season, when he was one of Toronto’s most reliable starters during August and September.
| 2025 | 28/15 | 104.2 | 3.18 | 3.85 | 8.8 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 1.8 |
Across seven major league seasons, Eric Lauer has a 45–39 record with a 4.13 ERA. His pitch mix has also worked well against right-handed hitters, who have a .295 expected weighted on-base average against him.
How the Trade Could Benefit Each Side
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, Eric Lauer would provide a left-handed pitcher who can handle several innings when needed. He would give the team another option without affecting the top of the rotation.Toronto Blue Jays would receive two younger players. Lindsey could add depth to the infield, and Auger would become another pitching prospect in the system. The move would also clear space in the rotation while bringing in future talent.Lauer could also benefit if the move gives him more opportunities to start for a team that expects to compete for a championship.
Pros and Cons of the Proposed Deal
| Party | Pros | Cons |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | Affordable vet depth; lefty swingman; no rotation block | Prospects depart (low top-30); Lauer not ace-level |
| Toronto Blue Jays | Infusion of prospects; salary flexibility pre-FA; surplus relief | Lose reliable arm amid injuries; modest return |
| Eric Lauer | World Series shot; starter reps in LA | Trade uncertainty; prove-it pressure |
Potential Outcome of the Deal
If the trade happens, the Dodgers would gain another experienced pitcher who can help stabilize the staff during the season. Toronto would add prospects and adjust its rotation before the year begins.Also read: MLB trade rumors: New York Yankees could sign $330 million Philadelphia Phillies franchise superstar to form power duo with Aaron JudgeThe discussion remains speculative, but it reflects how both teams could address roster needs before Opening Day in 2026.
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