As the Toronto Blue Jays get set to defend the American League pennant, there’s one key contributor from last season whose role might be significantly diminished.

Erik Lauer was the glue of the Blue Jays’ rotation early in the summer as they weathered some injuries and struggles. On the season, the left-hander posted an impressive 9-2 record, 3.18 ERA, and 1.11 WHIP across 28 appearances, 15 of which were starts.

Once the Blue Jays added Shane Bieber to the rotation, however, Lauer was relegated to the bullpen for the stretch run and postseason. And now that Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce arrived in the offseason, Lauer doesn’t appear to have much of a chance to crack the Opening Day rotation.

On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly suggested that rather than relegating Lauer to the bullpen and minimizing his potential impact, Toronto could trade the 30-year-old southpaw to a team that would use him in the rotation: the Los Angeles Angels.

“Lauer can pitch in a swing role, but on many teams, he probably would be in their starting rotation,” wrote Kelly. “A team like the Los Angeles Angels, for example, could add Lauer. 

“The $2.2 million salary that Lauer is set to make is more than affordable, even if he winds up spending more time out of the bullpen. Toronto could end up in a crunch, but a lottery-ticket minor league arm would be a nice return for someone who could help quite a few teams.”

Beyond ace and former Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi, the Angels have very little to count on in their rotation. The Blue Jays’ concern isn’t Los Angeles’ need, of course, but what they could get in a deal with the Halos.

While nothing is imminent, Kelly’s idea is worth keeping in mind as the Blue Jays arrive at spring training this week. If all the starting pitchers are healthy, Toronto might well look to capitalize on Lauer’s trade value while it can.

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