3 former Brewers David Stearns should consider for the Mets roster

2) Eric Lauer

Another pitcher (all three names on this list are, by the way) handed his walking papers by the Brewers and now available in free agency is Eric Lauer. He is far less accomplished than Woodruff. A lifetime record of 36-37 and 4.30 ERA is far from elite, but not everyone can be an All-Star.

Lauer will go into next season in his age 29 campaign coming off of a 6.56 ERA performance in 9 starts and a relief appearance. He was actually really good in 2021 and 2022 posting ERAs of 3.19 and 3.69. The Mets would view him as a low-cost depth piece for the rotation.

The one reason to stay away from Lauer would be the fact that he doesn’t have minor league options left. Would the rough year he had in 2023 land him only a minor league deal? If so, the Mets should absolutely be in the running. It’s a little trickier when he gets a major league contract.

The Mets could always view Lauer as a bullpen option. He has pitched in relief a little bit in the past but not enough to diagnose too many positives or negatives.

With David Peterson on the IL to begin the year, a little more depth couldn’t hurt the Mets. It’s hard to see them having the patience to let Lauer struggle for too long. There is still one more ex-Brewers player for them to consider.