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 in the rotation and performed well, something the Jays desperately needed to happen. 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 a handful of pitchers who struggled in the big leagues, went overseas, and found success upon returning. Merrill Kelly is perhaps the best example, granted he never pitched in the big leagues before heading to Korea for the 2015 season.
This season, there are a handful of candidates 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 big leagues. Last season, he had a 1.89 ERA and 2.15 FIP in 180.2 innings pitched in the KBO. Foster Griffin, a former Blue Jay, had even fewer opportunities in the big leagues, just eight innings. But he found success in his three seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, including a 1.62 ERA and 1.78 FIP in 78 innings pitched last season.
The other notable pitcher that fits this category, Anthony Kay, is a former Blue Jay and is perhaps the best fit of them all as a left-handed pitching starter. Kay spent the past two seasons with NPB’s Yokohama BayStars, winning 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 quite a lot 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 fun, it just doesn’t make sense unless he signs a minor-league deal for a bullpen role. Surely, he’ll be looking for a starting role on a major league contract.