With the MLB trade deadline just four days away, there have been rumblings of the Los Angeles Dodgers potentially looking to deal from their big league roster to fill other areas of need in the organization.
One possible trade candidate is Eric Lauer, who joined the Dodgers in the middle of May when he was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays. The left-hander has helped bring stability to a starting rotation that has been plagued by injuries throughout the season.
After providing yet another quality start on Wednesday, Lauer expressed hope to remain with the Dodgers past the Aug. 3 deadline but understands if they decide to make a move.
“Oh, my wife hates it,” Lauer said when asked if it has been difficult hearing his name in trade rumors. “No, I mean, it’s something that I was aware of coming over here, that it might be like a rental thing.
“There’s some big guys that have injuries that there was just a need. So see a need, fill a need kind of thing. But I mean, I love it here. I think I’m thriving here, as far as I can tell. I would love to be part of this team.”
The Dodgers haven’t communicated with Lauer on where things stand, but he remains focused on contributing in any way he can.
“No, I don’t think that’s really something that a player would necessarily even want to know,” Lauer began. “You don’t want to play GM too much in your head, because then you start getting away from what your job is and you know how you prepare.
“You’re kind of thinking, you’re halfway out of the game, you’re halfway in the clubhouse, and that’s just never good for anybody. So I try to make sure I come in, do the best I can to prepare every day, do the best I can when I get out on that mound, and whatever happens, happens. Those decisions are made way above my pay grade.”
Why would Dodgers trade Eric Lauer?
The Dodgers could be motivated to trade Lauer due to him not necessarily projecting to factor prominently in their postseason pitching plans. Blake Snell is nearing a return, Tyler Glasnow could soon begin a rehab assignment and Shohei Ohtani may return to pitching before the end of the season.
Moreover, Lauer is due to become a free agent after the 2026 season. He is 5-0 with a 2.96 ERA, 5.45 FIP and 0.99 WHIP in nine games (eight starts) with the Dodgers.
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