Free Agent Returns to Market
Left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer has declined a one-year, $5.4 million contract offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates, making him a free agent once again. Lauer was acquired by the Pirates in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers in March 2023.
The 28-year-old Lauer had a solid season with the Pirates in 2023, posting a 3.51 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 163 innings pitched. He went 12-9 with 182 strikeouts. Lauer’s performance helped the Pirates to their first winning record since 2018.
With Lauer now a free agent, the Pirates have a decision to make. They could attempt to re-sign him to a multi-year deal, or they could allow him to test the open market.
Lauer’s Value
Lauer is a valuable pitcher who is still relatively young. He has a good fastball and a developing changeup. He also has the ability to pitch deep into games.
Lauer’s value on the open market is likely to be around $10 million per year. He is not a top-of-the-rotation starter, but he is a solid mid-rotation arm with upside.
Pirates’ Options
The Pirates have several options now that Lauer is a free agent. They could attempt to re-sign him, trade for another starting pitcher, or promote a prospect from within the organization.
- Re-sign Lauer: This is the most likely option for the Pirates. They have a good relationship with Lauer, and he has been a valuable member of the team. However, the Pirates may not be willing to give Lauer the long-term contract he is seeking.
- Trade for a starter: The Pirates could also trade for another starting pitcher. There are several pitchers who could be available on the trade market, including Jameson Taillon, Jack Flaherty, and Mike Clevinger.
- Promote a prospect: The Pirates could also promote a prospect from within the organization. They have several young pitchers who could be ready to take on a bigger role, including Quinn Priester, Roansy Contreras, and Miguel Yajure.
The Pirates have a lot of options to consider now that Lauer is a free agent. They will need to decide what is the best move for the team going forward.
Kind regards,
Z. McDowell
