Discarded Blue Jays pitcher feels like perfect Cubs fit for Craig Counsell

Jed Hoyer and Co. will continue to throw names at the wall with the hope that one sticks as the Chicago Cubs look for pitching depth. Setbacks for Justin Steele and Hunter Harvey have likely heightened the urgency for the Cubs to seek external upgrades, and that likely explains their deal with former Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks. If there is an available pitcher capable of giving the Cubs effective innings, they are going to make the call.

One of those pitches could be someone Craig Counsell is very familiar with. Eric Lauer was designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this week and could soon be the next addition to the Cubs' pitching staff.

To be clear, there is some risk with Lauer's profile, but that is essentially going to describe any move the Cubs make before trade talks start in earnest later this summer. Yes, there's a concern that the Blue Jays, a team in need of pitching, gave up on Lauer, but the Cubs aren't in a position where they can be too selective over potential moves.

If a pitcher is available and the cost is virtually nothing, the Cubs need to be involved. Lauer's 2026 numbers are uninspiring. He posted a 6.69 through a tick over 36 innings pitched for Toronto this season, and struck out only 16% of the hitters he faced. His velocity is also down this year.

A Craig Counsell reunion?

Before making any move, the Cubs need to make sure Lauer is healthy. If he is, he seems to be a natural fit for Craig Counsell. Counsell should be very familiar with the 30-year-old left-hander, considering he was with the Brewers from 2020 through 2023. One of the best seasons of his career was the 2021 season with the Brewers, where Lauer posted a 3.19 ERA in 118 and 2/3 innings pitched while striking out nearly 24% of the hitters he faced.

Interest in Lauer could also stem from the fact that Ben Brown has seemingly moved into the starting rotation while Matthew Boyd recovers from his meniscus surgery. That has left Javier Assad as the only established bulk option in the bullpen. Lauer has experience as a swing man and could at least bridge the gap for a Cubs' pitching staff waiting to get healthy.

Names like Hendriks and Lauer aren't appealing for what the Cubs truly need this season, but it's the land Hoyer will continue to navigate before shifting his focus to the trade deadline in July.

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