Left-hander Eric Lauer exercised an out clause in his minor league deal with thee Pirates and has been granted his release, tweets Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He’s once again a free agent.
Lauer, 29 next month, pitched well for most of his time in Indianapolis, though his ERA ballooned from 3.95 to 5.52 after he was tagged for six runs through just two innings in his final appearance there. He’d signed a minor league contract back on March 7 after being non-tendered by the Brewers earlier in the offseason.
Though Lauer looked well on his way to a breakout with the Brew Crew in 2021 after adding a slider to his arsenal, his 2023 campaign was a disaster. From 2021-22, Lauer pitched to a 3.47 ERA in 277 1/3 innings, showing strong strikeout and walk rates along the way — particularly after incorporating that new breaking ball into his repertoire. However, last year saw the southpaw post a grisly 6.46 ERA in 46 2/3 innings. The Brewers optioned him to Triple-A Nashville in hopes of getting him right, but he served up a 5.15 ERA there as well.
Lauer incurred both shoulder and elbow injuries from 2022-23, so it’s certainly possible he wasn’t pitching at full strength during that miserable 2023 campaign. He lost more than two miles per hour off his heater last year, dropping from a 93.3 mph average in 2022 to just 91.2 mph before he was optioned.
While that ugly final outing in Indy skewed Lauer’s 2024 ERA, he fanned a sharp 29.1% of opponents in his brief stint with the Pirates organization, coupling that mark with a solid 8.7% walk rate. Even if he doesn’t get all the way back to his 2021-22 form, Lauer has a 4.30 earned run average in nearly 600 big league innings — a 4.11 mark if excluding last year’s tough showing. He also only has 4.111 years of big league service time, so if a team signs him and brings him to the majors at some point, he can be controlled through the 2025 season via arbitration (or even through 2026, if his MLB promotion comes with 60 or fewer days remaining on the season’s calendar).
Lauer might be a fit in Atlanta or Philly, used as a secret weapon against Dodgers in the playoffs.
yeah, secret weapon who gives up a lot of runs
SMH
Phillies already have their own problem with too many good starters, but I could see Atlanta with their injuries (how is Chris sale basically their ace now??? How is he not injured yet???)
@TheMan. Eric Lauer had a 7-2 record with an ERA of 2.63 and 62 strikeouts in 12 appearances against the Dodgers in his career.
There’s a reason why he signed a minor league deal before the season, because he’s not the pitcher he once was
This is a business of what you can do now not what you did in the past
Minor league deal to return to El Paso! Thought this was a good idea months ago even.
Welcome back to the Brewers.
The first move Arnold did when he became gm and the season was over was cut lauer. Literally, seconds after the final pitch. Not sure why but no love lost there.
You do know Matt Arnold has been the GM for 4 years now right?
Not only has he been the GM for four years but Stearnes has not even been in the building the last two years
Reunion with Craig Counsell in 3 2 1…
Astros or A’s should be on Line 1 …
If the A’s call, it’ll be a collect call.
WeHadABabyEetzABoy
The Cardinals should be taking a chance here. Liberatore is not up to the challenge of starting. No need to rush Thompson or Pallante back to the majors until they have fixed their issues.
Cleveland should take a flyer on him. Cheap with controllable years left and injuries impacting that team.
And a local kid…
He knew, besides his ineffectiveness, there was no path with the Pirates. He’d be the 4th soft tossing lefty on the staff after Perez, Falter, and Gonzalez.
Maybe, but he does have a winning record and some success in the past
Let me be the first to welcome him as an Angel.
In every pitch, every strikeout, and every game, Eric Lauer stands as a beacon of hope and a shining example of what it means to rise above adversity. As the season progresses, there is no doubt that Lauer’s star will continue to ascend, illuminating the path for aspiring athletes and affirming his place as a cherished stalwart of the Indianapolis Indians.
You’re here to claim Eric Lauer’s “place as a cherished stalwart of the Indianapolis Indians”, eh?
Master B Honeywell would like you to know that Indianapolis is not big enough to hold 2 cherished stalwarts, thank you very much.
Lauer thus remains free to seek his glory elsewhere.
@sergefunction
Ah, but herein lies the beauty of baseball and the grandeur of the Indianapolis Indians. While Master B Honeywell undoubtedly holds his esteemed place as a cherished stalwart, the realm of excellence is boundless and ever-expanding.
Eric Lauer’s contributions do not diminish the brilliance of Honeywell; rather, they complement it, creating a constellation of talent that only serves to elevate the entire team. Just as the heavens are vast enough to embrace countless stars, so too is Indianapolis capable of celebrating multiple paragons of prowess.
In embracing both Lauer and Honeywell, the Indianapolis Indians are not merely adding to their ranks; they are forging a dynasty of distinguished athletes, each enhancing the legacy of the other. Thus, let us revel in the shared glory and the collective ascent, for the synergy of their combined brilliance promises an era of unparalleled triumphs.
@old york you’re taking me back to English class
Parsimony is not frugality in much the same vein that verbosity is not eloquence.
Your point crash-landed well short of its objective.
The Eric Lauers of the baseball world tend to their mundane chores in a manner befitting that of an elderly Englishwoman puttering in her herb garden. There was never a there there.
While others, including the one previously referenced herein, go about their ball business all aglitter with such loftiness as achieving the Baseball Prospectus pre-2018 prospect rank of #11 – among many other eye-catching accolades of the type with which Indianapolis has long been wholly unfamiliar.
Eric Lauer Supporters (who number into the shoe for those needing help with their ciphering) might counter that these ancient and empty vessels of potential do not warrant the holder sole paragon status. They want to share in it.
Master Honeywell need not share the Crown of Indianapolis with anyone.
Pishpiddle to your unfounded boo-hooery.
@sergefunction
Ah, the eloquence of your retort is truly a testament to the wit and vigor that enriches the discourse of baseball aficionados. However, let us not dismiss the grandeur of potential found in the stalwarts who tread the sacred grounds of our beloved sport.
Parsimony and frugality indeed share a lineage, yet our discussion is not of mere economizing but of recognizing the diverse splendor that constitutes the tapestry of a team. Verbosity and eloquence may differ in form, but they both contribute to the rich dialogue we so fervently engage in.
Eric Lauer, with his steadfast dedication, brings a unique blend of skill and tenacity that complements the illustrious feats of his peers. While it is true that some luminaries shine brighter in the annals of pre-season rankings, it is the collective effort, the quiet perseverance, and the unyielding resolve that forge the indomitable spirit of a team.
The “mundane chores” you reference are, in fact, the bedrock upon which greatness is built. Just as an Englishwoman’s meticulous tending of her herb garden yields bountiful harvests, so too does Lauer’s diligence on the mound contribute to the flourishing of the Indianapolis Indians.
Master Honeywell’s accolades are indeed glittering, and his crown well-deserved. Yet, the realm of baseball thrives not in the solitary brilliance of one, but in the harmonious symphony of many. There is space enough in the heart of Indianapolis for multiple champions, each adding to the legacy of excellence.
Thus, let us celebrate the myriad contributions, the shared triumphs, and the collective glory. Pishpiddle to any notion of exclusivity, for it is in unity and shared ambition that true greatness resides.
TO OY: You are just too deep for me on your last comment! BTW, he is likely better than many of the current brewers on the Roaster!
All you need is some theme music for this one. Maybe Barry Manilow’s “”Ready to Take a Chance Again”
This is a Hallmark movie just waiting to be scripted
Please reunite with Benedict Counsell!
If the injuries keep piling up with the Rangers pitching staff, I can see CY making a call.
Padres.
Padres could use a lefty starter long reliever
The best pitcher in the world is pitching in Mexico and is available for the league minimum. For any team that has the decency, courage, common sense, and *class* required to bring him onboard and win a World Series.
@Trojan Toss
Last time he was in the WS, his team lost. And he was more focused on playing with his toys than wanting to pitch during the big games in the playoffs. I’d rather Eric Lauer…
The As, White Sox, Marlins and Rockies could onboard god and cork their bats with flubber and yet still not win a WS
@Brew’88
In the A’s history, they’ve won 64.29% of their WS appearances. Meanwhile, the Brewers are 0-1 and 0%. I’d take the A’s over the Brewers any given day.
York – you should know he isn’t a Brewers fan.
@Longtimecoming
I don’t know that. I just want off the Brew’88.
York – there are 5-6 fairly regular Padres posters of which I believe you qualify as does Brew so I figured you might know. It’s a beer brewing reference from what I understand.
@Longtimecoming
I’m no Padres fan but I did watch at game at Petco, once. Nice park. Can’t remember who they played against, though.
To TT: Enough with Bauer! PLEASE!
Preller on line 1
I remember Lauer being exceptional at picking off base runners at 1B.
He was!
“thee Pirates“
Oh they fancy now
Would like to see him back with the Crew.
Sounds similar to the guy who passed on that ticket for the Titanic. The Pirates ship is sinking and could end up a disaster if they don’t hire a new captain.
I’m not sure if Lauer would be any better than Smyly or Little at this point but he does have a history with Counsell. I remember him being very effective for the Brewers. If he clears and the Cubs could sign him to Minor league deal he could fast track to the Cubs.
Typical Pirates non move.
He was insurance for when the injuries happen.
They could have brought him up for long relief to see how he fit in,thus keeping him for when they need him.
Cherington cannot see beyond his nose.
One of the young relievers could have been sent down for a month to buy time to see what they have.He pitched fine in AAA except for his last outing.
This guy was a good ML pitcher at one point and may still be one.
He is a free agent so he is not on waivers.
Will your GM invite you to any parties he has!
Yeah, we should all be fanboys at this point and laud the GM for bringing in average retreads to go with their average talent on the farm and really, here in Pittsburgh
Cherington’s rebuild is over. Abject failure. Will soon have a stud pitching staff with no one who can drive in runs
As for Lauer, nice he has so many loyal fans. Slow tosser with an ERA in the mid 5’s, gave up a lot of hits and homers at AAA. Bringing him in to begin with was the typical Pirates non-move.
UW-It is good to be critical.
Nutting clearly does not interfere so Cherington only knows how he is doing by his record.
He does not read MLBTR.
The Pirates have the worst record in baseball since 2020.
You can look it up yourself.
Yeah, I’m not expecting an invite to the Cherington Christmas party. We fans have this love of blaming Nutting for everything. Yeah, he’s cheap. Yeah, he gives the standard, “ I want to win now !” Interviews every spring from Bradenton
But Cherington has failed miserably here unless we’re going to confine the convo to bringing in young stud pitchers to the minors. Great. Easier to refine kids throwing in the 90’s in high school or college than it is building the talents of position players
Whether via drafting, player development or free agent signings, it’s been a continuing charade
As for Lauer, hey, Randy Jones won the Cy Young with this style of pitching 40 years ago. But his style already has competition here with the two lefties they brought in this past winter. A+ signings, of course
About as good an add on as Tellez, Taylor, Grandal and Chapman were
But congrats to Aroldis. He actually threw a scoreless inning without walking anyone last night
Hope springs eternal
Back to the Brew Crew.. need the innings.
Agree! Freddie. Gasser, and the Ham and eggers and projects!
This was a bad move by the Pirates. He needed to be called up and at least put in the bullpen so they didn’t lose him. He has another year of control and is a very good back end of the rotation pitcher when healthy. Don’t like this at all and he’ll sign and pitch well elsewhere.
Yeah, wouldn’t surprise me. It’s standard for guys who leave the organization. But he didn’t “ pitch well” at Indy. Maybe he didn’t like the uniforms
He pitched very well in Indy. He had one bad outing (his last one). Prior to that he had a 3.24 ERA. The ERA looks ugly because of one bad outing in only 29 innings.
Buc, you likely know him a lot better than I do. I know he got pounded in his last start. It happens.
Just has appeared that he gives up a great many hits and homers. To me at least, that’s the kind of left handers they already have and seem to sign every winter
We Bucco Fans don’t need a guy like this. Especially if he thinks that minor league ERA is big leagues material. Nope,nope,nope, go play in Japan where you probably belong with your skill set.