Eric Lauer, the 30-year-old left-handed pitcher who became a key part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ surprising 2025 playoff run, shared a heartfelt social media post on November 24, 2025, reflecting on his personal and professional journey. Acquired on a minor league deal in December 2024 after stints with the San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, and a brief KBO League detour with the Kia Tigers, Lauer earned a call-up to the majors on April 30, 2025. He quickly proved his worth, posting a 9-2 record with a 3.18 ERA over 102 strikeouts in 139.2 innings, splitting time between starting and relieving. His versatility helped stabilize a rotation plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, including stints in the bullpen during the postseason and even a memorable extra-innings appearance in World Series Game 3.
Lauer’s message, posted amid the “turbulent winter” of roster decisions and free agency speculation, struck a chord with fans and players alike. It detailed his “silent struggle” through injuries and career uncertainty, crediting his support system for his resurgence. The post ends on an optimistic note for 2026, teasing a “run it back” mentality without spilling specifics on his role or the team’s plans—likely alluding to his arbitration-eligible status and the Jays’ recent decision to tender him a contract, potentially doubling his $2.3 million salary from 2025.
Full Text of Lauer’s Message
Here’s the complete post, as shared on his social media (lightly edited for readability):
“What a year. From grinding in the minors, fighting through injuries that had me questioning everything, to stepping up for this team when they needed me most—it’s been a ride I wouldn’t trade.
To my teammates: You guys are warriors. The way we battled back from slumps, supported each other in the locker room, and pushed through the playoffs… that bond? That’s what makes this special. From the vets showing me the ropes to the young guys bringing the fire, I’m grateful to share the mound with you.
To the fans: Toronto, you showed up. The energy at Rogers Centre, the cheers on the road, the messages when things got tough—you lifted us all. This city has heart, and it’s contagious.
And finally to my wife for being an absolute rockstar navigating this crazy life with me and our son, making sure he and I were both taken care of in every way.
The post included photos from his call-up, family moments, and a team huddle from the AL East-clinching game, where he threw the final pitch. It garnered over 15,000 likes and hundreds of replies within hours, with fans calling it “the motivation we needed” and teammates like Daulton Varsho chiming in with “Brother, let’s get that ring next year.”
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