Eric Lauer Bio
Eric Lance Lauer is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers, and in the KBO League for the Kia Tigers. Lauer won the National Pitcher of the Year Award at Kent State and was selected in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2018 and played for the Brewers until 2023, winning the Korean Series title in 2024 before returning to MLB with the Blue Jays in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Eric Lauer was born on June 3, 1995, in Elyria, Ohio. He attended Midview High School in Grafton, Ohio, where he played for the school’s baseball team as a pitcher and was a member of the National Honor Society. Lauer grew up as a fan of the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball (MLB) and took college courses at Lorain County Community College while still in high school. His impressive performance on the field garnered attention from MLB scouts, particularly due to his fastball that reached speeds of 94 miles per hour.
Path to Baseball
During his time at Midview High School, Lauer pitched to a remarkable 7–0 win-loss record and a 0.15 earned run average (ERA), allowing only one earned run in 47 innings pitched. He was named the player of the year by the Cleveland Plain Dealer and earned the title of Lorain County’s Mr. Baseball. Initially, Lauer committed to play college baseball for the University of Kentucky but ultimately chose to attend Kent State University. At Kent State, he excelled, finishing his junior year with a 0.69 ERA, the lowest in college baseball since 1979, and winning the National Pitcher of the Year Award.
Eric Lauer Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
The San Diego Padres selected Eric Lauer in the first round, with the 25th overall selection, of the 2016 MLB draft. He signed with the Padres, receiving a $2 million signing bonus. Lauer made his professional debut with the Arizona Padres of the Rookie-level Arizona League and quickly moved up through the ranks, finishing the 2016 season with a 1–1 record and a 2.03 ERA. He began the 2018 season with the El Paso Chihuahuas of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League and was promoted to the major leagues on April 24, 2018. Lauer made his MLB debut the same day, pitching three innings against the Colorado Rockies. He finished his rookie season with a 6–7 record and a 4.34 ERA, leading the major leagues in pickoffs.
Breakthrough (2020–2023)
On November 27, 2019, Lauer was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Trent Grisham and others. He faced challenges in 2020 due to a shoulder injury but rebounded in 2021, achieving a 3.19 ERA in 20 games started. Lauer made 29 starts in the 2022 season, compiling an 11–7 record and a 3.69 ERA. In January 2023, he signed a one-year contract with the Brewers, but struggled during the season, finishing with a 4–6 record and a 6.56 ERA. After the season, he was removed from the 40-man roster and elected free agency.
Notable Works and Milestones
Eric Lauer’s career highlights include winning the Korean Series championship in 2024 while playing for the Kia Tigers in the KBO League. He returned to MLB in 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays, continuing to build on his professional achievements.
Eric Lauer Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Eric Lauer has received several nominations, including the prestigious National Pitcher of the Year Award during his time at Kent State University.
Eric Lauer Awards Won
Eric Lauer has won notable awards, including the Korean Series championship in 2024 while playing for the Kia Tigers.
Eric Lauer Family
Eric Lauer is married to Emily Lauer, and together they have a son.
Personal Life
Eric Lauer maintains a private personal life, focusing on his family and baseball career. He and his wife, Emily, support each other as he continues to pursue his professional aspirations.
