Eric Lauer trade allows Dodgers to maintain preferred plan with prized top prospect

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching depth has been tested this season. Their latest short-term answer was a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays for left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer. Lauer, who has a 6.69 ERA on the season and was downright disastrous north of the border in 2026, will need a complete revamp. He also buys the Dodgers time, which was the entire purpose of this deal, it turns out.

By trading for Lauer, the Dodgers don't have to rush one of their top prospects, River Ryan, back to the big leagues. Instead, Ryan can build back up in Triple-A against hitters he's had far more success against. Ryan has started just four games in MLB, and while he has an impressive ERA in those appearances, there is no need to throw him back into the fire. The Dodgers have paid for the right to be patient, including in this case — they sent cash considerations back to Toronto in exchange for Lauer.

What the Los Angeles Dodgers gain in trading for Eric Lauer

Lauer's stats aren't all that flashy, but as long as he can last a couple of starts and learn from those around him, he could be an under-the-radar steal. Just last season, Lauer had a 3.18 ERA in 28 appearances, 15 of which were starts. Whether it be in an opener role or as an innings-eater, Lauer has proven he can pitch at this level for a contender. He's just missing...something right now.

Lauer's strikeout percentage went down and walk percentage went up fro 2025. He frequently found himself in disagreements with the Blue Jays over his usage. Toronto viewed him as a long reliever, while Lauer preferred to start games. Now with the Dodgers — a team that thrives by putting pitchers in non-traditional roles — the left-hander will have to adjust.

But Lauer is the least of the Dodgers concerns. What's most important is Ryan, a former top prospect who has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher when all is said and done. Again, Ryan has a 1.33 ERA in four MLB starts so far in 2026. There's a chance he hits a setback, especially as he recovers from injury, but the Dodgers aren't taking any chances.

What the Dodgers rotation looks like with Eric Lauer

The Dodgers will deploy a six-man rotation with Lauer in it for now. When Ryan is ready to come back to the bigs, that could change depending on how Lauer and others in the rotation are performing.

That's not a bad six-man rotation! Heck, it doesn't even fully count since Ohtani doesn't start every time through, nor should he. Sasaki just had his best start of the season, and could build off of it. He has ace potential of his own. Wrobleski has been better than advertised, and Yoshi is as stable as ever.

The Dodgers have an embarrassment of riches. There's no secret about it. If they can survive a couple months without Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and now Ryan...lord help the rest of MLB.

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