3 former Brewers fan favorites who are still seeking jobs as 2024 spring training approaches

3. LHP Eric Lauer

While Lauer may not have been a fan favorite much in 2023, there was a time that Lauer was one of the more productive arms in a loaded Brewers rotation. Lauer had some good years in 2021 and 2022 before struggling last season.

A mysterious injury seemed to be affecting his performance and the Brewers even took him off the field for a while to figure things out in the pitching lab. Despite returning to Triple-A, Lauer didn't exactly return to the form he had the previous few seasons. He earned a late season start in his return to the majors, but it didn't go well and he was outrighted after the season. Lauer elected free agency.

He's been searching for a new team, holding a showcase and there were several teams showing interest, including the Pirates and Padres, the latter of whom the Brewers originally acquired him from. Still, he remains unsigned as spring training approaches.

Given his poor performance last season, Lauer is likely looking at a minor league deal wherever he goes. The reports of interest means he likely will latch on with someone soon here as a depth rotation option that could battle for a spot or be called upon later in the season.

Lauer was known for being a quirky lefty with odd sayings and names for his pitches, calling his fastball a "zoomball", among other things. Lauer's going to try to be zooming once again with a new team, as soon as he finds one.