Pirates sign veteran left handed pitcher Eric Lauer to a minor league deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates made an intriguing move, signing Eric Lauer, the former left-handed pitcher from the Brewers and Padres, to a minor league deal. Ken Rosenthal broke the news on Twitter, shedding light on the team's strategy to bolster its pitching depth with a seasoned player.

Lauer, at nearly 29, brings both experience and potential to the table. While his 2023 regular season was rocky, with a 6.56 ERA and a 4-6 record over 10 starts, his career stats paint a more promising picture. With a 4.30 ERA across 36 wins and 37 losses in 120 games pitched, including 112 starts, he's shown glimpses of consistency and competitiveness. Not to mention, his strikeout-to-walk ratio of 567 strikeouts against 1.37 walks per nine innings is nothing to scoff at.

Despite his recent struggles, I see Lauer as a possible asset for the Pirates' rotation. His experience in the Majors could provide invaluable insights and leadership, especially during high-pressure situations. Plus, having another left-handed option adds a new dynamic to the pitching staff, potentially giving us an edge against certain lineups.

This signing reflects the Pirates' practical approach to building their roster. By bringing Lauer on board with a minor league contract, they're wisely minimizing financial risks while maximizing potential gains. It demonstrates a willingness to explore unconventional avenues in our quest to strengthen the team.

If Lauer can tap into his potential and regain some of his past form, he could prove to be a valuable asset for the Pirates.

But only time will tell how this signing pans out for the team. Teams always need quality starting pitching depth and the Pirates could do a lot worse than Lauer. The fact that this is a minor league deal will allow them to send him to Triple-A and stash him until they need another arm at the Big League level.