The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a tight spot with their starting rotation, and the recent designation of Eric Lauer for assignment has only deepened the need for another arm. With several pitchers sidelined by injuries, the team has decided Lauer isn't the answer for the fifth spot—but a logical replacement may have just become available.

Enter Chris Paddack, a right-hander recently let go by the Miami Marlins. While his 2026 ERA sits at a bloated 7.63, Paddack has a track record of reliability earlier in his career, notably with the San Diego Padres. The Marlins signed him to a $4 million deal this past offseason, signaling he was still viewed as a viable option. Last season, he posted a 5.35 ERA across stints with the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, so his effectiveness has waned, but he remains a pitcher who can eat innings and throw strikes.

The Athletic's Mitch Bannon floated Paddack as a sensible target, noting that big-time starting pitchers rarely get moved in early May. For a Blue Jays team that can't afford to be picky, Paddack offers a stretched-out, available arm to bridge the gap until their injured starters return. It's not a flashy move, but in the grind of a long season, sometimes a steady hand is all you need to keep the ship afloat.