Lauer was one of the biggest heroes of the Jays’ 2025 season. When Max Scherzer went down with an injury and Bowden Francis struggled, it was Lauer who filled out the rotation and performed well, something the Jays desperately needed. In 104.2 innings, the left-handed pitcher had a 3.18 ERA and 3.85 FIP, with a 23.9 K% and 6.1 BB%.
The left-handed pitcher is one of the few pitchers who struggled in the major leagues, went overseas and found success upon their return. Merrill Kelly may be the best example, given he never pitched in the major leagues before heading to Korea for the 2015 season.
This season there are a handful of prospects who could have the same type of season. Cody Ponce, 31, was drafted 55th overall in 2015 but struggled in his two seasons in the major leagues. Last season, he had a 1.89 ERA and 2.15 FIP in 180.2 innings in the KBO. Foster Griffin, a former Blue Jay, got even fewer opportunities in the major leagues, just eight innings. But he found success in his three seasons with Nippon Professional Baseball, including a 1.62 ERA and 1.78 FIP in 78 innings last season.
The other notable pitcher who fits into this category, Anthony Kay, is a former Blue Jay and is perhaps the best of them all as a left-handed pitching starter. Kay spent the past two seasons with NPB’s Yokohama BayStars and won the Japan Series with the team in 2024. In 2024, he had a 3.42 ERA and 2.84 FIP in 136.2 innings pitched, with a 20.2 K% and 9 BB%. Kay’s numbers improved significantly in 2025, finishing the year with a 1.74 ERA and 2.55 FIP in 155 innings pitched, along with a 21.5 K% and 6.8 BB%.
While a reunion with Kay would be nice, it just doesn’t make sense unless he signs a minor league deal for a bullpen role. He will certainly be looking for a starting role on a Major League contract.
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