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Low Key Pitcher Now Available For A David Stearns Reunion

Any time an organization hires a new front office leader, natural speculation takes place regarding potential reunions. Many wonder if that person will look to bring in staff or players that they worked with in their previous stop. For new Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, the main speculation in that realm has centered around Craig Counsell or one of the Milwaukee Brewers’ top two rental starters. However, Stearns should target lefty Eric Lauer, outrighted by Milwaukee on Friday, as a realistic reunion candidate.

Eric Lauer Now Available for a David Stearns Reunion

In November 2019, Stearns acquired Lauer and Luis Urias in a trade with the San Diego Padres. Lauer, a Padres first-round pick, struggled in the majors before the trade and was not the main piece of the trade.

In two seasons in San Diego, Lauer pitched 261 2/3 innings with a 4.40 ERA. He also struggled in his first season with the Brewers, tossing just 11 innings in the pandemic-shortened season while battling COVID-19 and shoulder issues.

Lauer: A Stearns Reclamation Success

Lauer blossomed in 2021 as Milwaukee’s fifth starter. The breakout season was largely credited to what people in Milwaukee call “The Milwaukee Brewers pitching machine.” Under the Brewers’ guidance, Lauer made mechanical adjustments to protect his shoulder. This led to a higher velocity, better strikeout rates, and improved overall production. Lauer finished 2021 with a 3.19 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 118 2/3 innings pitched. His strikeout rate of 23.9 percent and 130 ERA+ marked career highs. He followed that up in 2022 by pitching 40 more innings with an almost identical strikeout rate (23.8 percent) and a 3.69 ERA.

Improved velocity, movement, and usage from Lauer’s cutter and 4-seam fastball helped drive his success. Before 2021, Lauer threw his fastball over 50 percent of the time in the majors. From 2021 through 2023, that usage dropped to around 43 percent while increasing usage of his off-speed and breaking pitches. He transformed from a soft-tossing lefty who relied on soft contact to a slightly harder thrower who thrived at missing bats.

Lauer’s 2023 Struggles

After two good years in Milwaukee, Lauer posted a 6.56 ERA in 46 2/3 innings in 2023. He lost some velocity on his fastballs early in the year, which led to increased home run and walk rates. From late May through the end of the season, Lauer bounced between the injured list, minor leagues, and inactive list.

Milwaukee recalled Lauer on September 30 for a start against the Chicago Cubs, and it did not go well. He allowed eight runs (three homers) in four innings in what will likely go down as his last start as a Brewer. It’s likely that shoulder issues and potentially other undisclosed health issues contributed to Lauer’s diminished stuff and production. While health issues are never good, teams can perhaps hope Lauer isn’t washed up and just needs rest, recovery, and adjustments for better production.

Lauer’s 2024 Outlook

Lauer earned $5.075 million last year and would have earned a slight raise through arbitration this winter. The Brewers likely would have non-tendered him by the mid-November deadline. Instead of delaying the move, Milwaukee placed Lauer on waivers this week. After no team claimed him, Lauer was outrighted to Triple-A, which means he could stay in the organization, but not on the 40-man roster.

However, Lauer can reject the outright and become a free agent since he has more than three years of service time. This is the expected outcome, and he would be available to sign with any team. Thus, it’s reasonable to expect interest from Stearns and the Mets.

Though Stearns is far from the only person who should get credit for Lauer’s success, he no doubt played a big role in it. He clearly knows Lauer and factors like his health and how to get the best out of him. Lauer might feel comfortable working with a staff built by Stearns to once again reclaim his career.

Will Stearns Be Interested in a Reunion?

From New York’s perspective, Lauer represents a buy-low option to fill one of many holes on the pitching staff. The veteran does not have minor league options remaining but has the opportunity to compete for a back-of-the-rotation spot.

If Lauer’s injuries make him better suited for the bullpen, the Mets have enough openings that he can fill. New York has lacked a reliable multi-inning reliever or swing starter since Trevor Williams left after 2022. Lauer’s history as a starter means he should be able to provide multiple innings at a time. Additionally, it’s possible that his velocity creeps up if he predominantly pitches shorter stints.

Front offices consider everything, so Stearns surely will consider Lauer. The Mets are expected to sign one or two higher-upside arms to lucrative deals, but will still have multiple holes to fill. Lauer checks off many important boxes that the Mets will emphasize. He will be 28 on Opening Day, won’t cost prospects to acquire, and will be inexpensive, especially by Steve Cohen’s standards.

New York will need to hit on one or two minor pitching acquisitions in order to be competitive next season. While they might prefer arms with minor league options remaining, Lauer’s youth, track record, and familiarity with Stearns make him a great low-risk, high-reward option for the Mets.

A contract makes sense for both Stearns and Lauer. Maybe Lauer would rather sign with a team that can guarantee him starts, but Stearns might represent the best chance to revitalize his career.

 

Photo Credit: © Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Giglio

Ryan Giglio

A passionate sports fan all his life, he became a writer for Last Word on Sports in 2023. His favorite teams are the Mets, Nets, NY Giants and Jets.

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