Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Eric Lauer has waited longer than most to find a new home in free agency. The once steady arm in the Brew Crews starting rotation struggled mightily in 2024 and ultimately was sent outright to the minor leagues. He declined that assignment and became a free agent. Now he has signed with a national league central team.
Eric Lauer has established a new future with a division rival of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Per Ken Rosenthal Eric Lauer has signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Spring training is already underway, but the expectation is that he will be invited to their big league camp. Pittsburgh has openings at the back end of their rotation so it’s possible that he could earn a big league spot at some point this season.
What happened to Eric Lauer in 2023?
Prior to the start of the 2023 season Eric Lauer had been a steady arm in the Brewers rotation. After coming over from the San Diego Padres via trade he posted a 3.19 ERA in 2021 and 3.69 in 2022. In 2023 he battled his mechanics, injury, and struggled to the tune of a 6.56 ERA over 46.2 innings pitched.
Can Eric Lauer rebound in 2024?
At 28 years old Eric Lauer will be looking to bounce back in 2023. He’s never been an over power pitcher velocity wise but he has a cutter that when right generates weak contact. Additionally his fastball tends to be a plus pitch for him, but when he isn’t locating his pitches troubles can arise.
Overall, Eric Lauer will be one name to monitor in 2024. He has a track record of success but also failure. This is a low risk move by the Pirates but it could pay off in a big way for Pittsburgh if he is at his best.
Follow me on Twitter @tylerkoerth. Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great up to date sports content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!. We cover the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and Wisconsin High School Sports. Additionally we provide the latest news coverage on the NFL, MLB, and NBA.