Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer is a free agent, but his family keeps growing.
After an impressive run with the Dodgers, where he rebuilt his reputation after the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment, Lauer enters the offseason without a clear home on the field.
However, off the field, his home will need to get a bit bigger, as Lauer and his wife, Emily, welcomed their second child on October 20th.
"Officially a family of four! 10/20/2026 Kacen Boone Lauer," Lauer wrote in an Instagram post.
Funny enough, just three weeks after joining the Dodgers, Lauer and his wife announced that they were expecting Kacen.
At the same time, Lauer was pitching some of the best baseball of his career, p owering the Dodgers to wins with his consistent, contact-heavy approach.
Jul 6, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Lauer (33) reacts in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With the Toronto Blue Jays, Lauer started the 2026 season with a 6.69 ERA in eight appearances. Just a year before, he had a 3.18 ERA over 28 appearances.
After frustrations over his status as a reliever rather than a starter, his role being moved around, and his struggles, the Blue Jays cut ties with Lauer.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers badly needed starting pitching, and Lauer offered a veteran arm who could eat innings.
Jun 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Lauer in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With LA, he had a much better season, posting a 4.50 ERA with a 7-2 record as the Dodgers and Lauer found ways to win.
Now, for a team that wants an experienced lefty, free agency will offer fewer solid options than Lauer. He'll benefit from a weak class, but he should earn a significant pay raise over the $4.4 million he earned in his last year of arbitration.
