Toronto Blue Jays trade struggling Eric Lauer to Dodgers

The Toronto Blue Jays have moved on from a struggling Eric Lauer in a trade with the LA Dodgers. 

After being DFA'd last week, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Lauer and the Blue Jays. A horrid start to the season spelled the end of his Toronto tenure, as the Jays moved him to the Dodgers along with cash considerations on Sunday in exchange for either a player to be named later or cash considerations. 

The 30-year-old Lauer ends his Blue Jays tenure with a 10-7 record and 4.09 ERA over two years and 141 innings pitched. 

OFFICIAL: We've traded LHP Eric Lauer and cash considerations to the Dodgers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. pic.twitter.com/OzUZGrUIIs

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 17, 2026

It shouldn't be a shocking move for a Blue Jays team trying to find their way back into contention after a slow start. Though Lauer was a big part of last year's World Series run, it became clear that he wasn't able to recapture that magic this season. 

Through 36.1 innings this season, Lauer surrendered 27 earned runs and 11 home runs. He is sitting with a dismal 1-5 record and -0.5 WAR. 

His last outing with the Blue Jays was an utter disaster, as he allowed six earned runs and three home runs in five innings of work against the LA Angels. It was an exclamation mark to cap off his time in Toronto. 

It may not have gone as Lauer would have wanted it for the Blue Jays, but he can't complain much about his new destination. The Dodgers are once again looking like World Series threats, and if he can rediscover his game, there is a chance he could wind up pitching in some important games this October. 

There will be no in-season reunion with Lauer and the Jays, as Toronto has already finished up its schedule against the Dodgers this season. Though it could happen if the two teams manage to book a World Series rematch down the road. 

Wouldn't that be an interesting wrinkle in what would be a dramatic turn of events?