The Blue Jays signed Lauer to a minor-league contract on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauer split the 2024 season between the Triple-A level (where he had a 5.26 ERA in 75.1 innings) and the Korea Baseball Organization (where he held a 4.93 ERA in 34.2 frames). The 29-year-old lefty will likely begin the 2025 season as rotation depth at Triple-A Buffalo.

Lauer signed with the Kia Tigers of the KBO on Thursday, Daniel Kim of MBC Sports+ reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauer was released by the Astros on Thursday, but he quickly found a new opportunity. He will sign with the Tigers for the rest of the 2024 season, opening up the possibility of him returning to the majors in future campaigns.

Lauer was released by the Astros on Thursday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauer was in the Triple-A Sugar Land rotation since signing with Houston on May 20. He struggled to a 5.09 ERA and 1.65 WHIP across 46 innings and has now failed to latch on with both Houston and Pittsburgh in 2024.

Lauer signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran left-hander opted out of his minor-league pact with the Pirates last week and didn't take long to latch on with a new organization. Lauer had a 5.52 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 37:11 K:BB across 29.1 innings at Triple-A Indianapolis, and he may need to post better results for Houston's Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land in order to receive a look in the big leagues. His contract includes opt-outs for July 1 and August 1 if he's not on the major-league roster.

The Pirates released Lauer on Thursday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauer had an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with Pittsburgh and has chosen to exercise it. The left-hander posted a 5.56 ERA over 29.1 innings during his time with Triple-A Indianapolis, but his 37:11 K:BB was more promising. Lauer, 28, shouldn't have trouble landing another gig elsewhere, although it's possible he'll have to accept another minor-league deal.

Lauer was signed by the Pirates on a minor-league deal Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauer elected free agency in October after the Brewers did not want to give him a raise in arbitration. In 2023, the lefty posted a 6.56 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 46.2 innings. The 28-year-old has had better years, having posted a 3.84 ERA over 288.1 innings during his time in Milwaukee from 2020-22.

Lauer elected free agency Monday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Brewers understandably didn't want to give Lauer a raise via arbitration after he posted a 6.56 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 46.2 innings this season. He's just 28 years old and posted a 3.84 ERA and 286:109 K:BB over 288.1 innings for Milwaukee from 2020-22, so the left-hander shouldn't have trouble finding another opportunity elsewhere.

Lauer cleared waivers Friday and was sent outright to Triple-A Nashville, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauer struggled to get things going with the Brewers in 2023, accumulating a 6.56 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 46.2 innings in 10 appearances. He reserves the right to elect free agency, but other teams will likely have to see signs of improvement before giving Lauer another shot in a big-league rotation.

Lauer was optioned to the Arizona Complez League on Sunday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lauer was promoted Saturday for his first appearance in the big leagues since May, but he was tagged for three homers and eight earned runs by the Cubs. The left-hander began the season in the starting rotation but is a potential DFA candidate this offseason after he posted a 6.56 ERA over 46.2 innings for the Brewers this year.

Lauer (4-6) took the loss Saturday, allowing eight runs on nine hits and four walks over four innings against the Cubs. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Chicago handed Lauer a rude welcome in his first big-league appearance since being demoted to Triple-A in June as the Cubs tallied six runs in the opening frame on three home runs. The 28-year-old southpaw surrendered two more scores in the fourth and will close the chapter on a disappointing 2023 campaign with a 4-6 record, 6.56 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 43:24 K:BB, while serving up 16 home runs in just 46.2 innings this season.