On Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays elected to tender all eligible players a contract for the 2026 season. All around baseball, arbitration-eligible players were non-tendered, either because of performance or because of salary as related to performance. The Jays kept all of Daulton Varsho, Ernie Clement, Tyler Heineman and Eric Lauer.

While Lauer was potentially the most surprising keep, he actually makes a lot of sense as we'll examine below:

Now 30 years old, Lauer is a seven-year veteran of the San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Blue Jays. He's gone 45-39 for his career with a 4.13 ERA, making 127 starts in 148 appearances.

This past season, he pitched in a swing role for John Schneider's team, going 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA. He made 15 starts out of 28 appearances, tossing 104.2 innings in the regular season. He added five appearances in the postseason, including 5.2 scoreless innings in the World Series.

He's a free agent after the 2026 season.

This is obvious, of course. Any time you have pitchers, you are subject to injury issues. Should a starter get injured, having someone who is capable of giving length and who has significant starting experience is always a good thing.

This year alone, the Jays dealt with real injuries to Max Scherzer, Bowden Francis and Jose Berrios, which impacted the rotation in big ways.

Yesavage, the Jays' first-round draft pick in 2024, now only has one season of professional baseball under his belt. He tossed 98.0 innings in the minor leagues, 14 in the regular season with the Jays and 27.2 in the playoffs, giving him 139.2 innings for the season.

While 139.2 is a great baseline for the 2026 campaign, do the Jays want to really extend him far beyond that? Or do they want to ease up a bit and keep him ready for the playoffs again?

Only they know the plan, but if the team elects to skip a start here or there, Lauer is the perfect fill-in.

It seems unlikely, admittedly, but it is possible. Toronto figures to head into the season with Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Yesavage and Shane Bieber in the rotation. 

Could they give the No. 5 job back to Francis? Sure. Could they sign Scherzer or Chris Bassitt again in free agency? Sure. But if they don't find any deal they feel comfortable about, Lauer could be an option.

40-MAN ROSTER DECISIONS: The Jays have given contracts to each of their arbitration-eligible players, keeping much of the group together in 2026. CLICK HERE: 

BELLINGER POSSIBILITY: The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have interest in Bellinger, but signing him would come with some questions. CLICK HERE:

TIEDEMANN ADDED:  Former top prospect Ricky Tiedemann is now on the 40-man roster, and he could play a big role for the Jays in 2026. CLICK HERE:

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