The Milwaukee Brewers added some left-handed starting pitching depth by trading two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees. Nestor Cortes, a one-time All-Star himself, comes to Milwaukee with a 33-21 career record and 3.80 career ERA. Additionally, the Brewers received $4.5 million in cash and an intriguing prospect with Wisconsin ties.
Interestingly, on the same day that Cortes became a Brewer, one of their former left-handed starting pitchers signed with an American League East team.
Former Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Eric Lauer Signed with the Toronto Blue Jays
According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, former Brewers starting pitcher Eric Lauer has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. The deal includes a non-roster invite to Spring Training:
LHP Eric Lauer has an NRI deal with the Blue Jays, per sources.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 13, 2024
Lauer, as Brewers fans my remember, was originally acquired by Milwaukee in the trade that sent Trent Grisham and Zack Davies to the San Diego Padres. The Brewers also acquired Luis Urias in the deal.
Lauer joined Milwaukee’s starting rotation in 2021 and went 7-5 with a 3.19 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 24 games (20 starts). The following season, he was 11-7 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.22 WHIP.
But 2023 was not kind to Lauer. While battled some injuries, he also battled a loss of command. He went 4-6 with a 6.56 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 10 games (nine starts).
He was not much better in Triple-A when the Brewers sent him down either, going 3-4 with a 5.15 ERA in 12 games (nine starts).
Lauer was granted free agency following the 2023 season and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, he went 2-2 with a 5.52 ERA with their Triple-A team and was granted his release in May. He subsequently signed with the Houston Astros, and went 2-3 with a 5.09 ERA for their Triple-A affiliate.
After being released in August, Lauer signed with the Kia Tigers of the KBO, and went 2-2 with a 4.93 ERA in seven starts.
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