Report: Roberto Osuna not interested in starting for Blue Jays in 2017

The young Blue Jays reliever recognizes that the organization may have different plans for his development beyond this year

Unlike his young pitching counterpart Aaron Sanchez, the 21-year-old Roberto Osuna knows his role entering 2016.

His position in the organization beyond this is a little less clear. If Osuna has his way, however, he’ll remain pitching out of the bullpen next season.

This stance isn’t terribly surprising from Osuna, but coming from a player, it’s certainly out of the ordinary.

Sportsnet’s Stephen Brunt has discussed Osuna throughout the offseason as a young man who sees himself following the path of the great Mariano Rivera. A tall order, of course, but his excess talent and early start in the MLB present the young Mexican with a tantalizing career path if he stays in one role.

Osuna’s wallet, however, may not be thanking him.

At some point in the season, Roberto Osuna is going to take the ball from J.A. Happ, a 33-year-old starting pitcher with a career ERA north of 4.00 that will be earning $36 million over the next three years in Toronto.

Related Story: Jays options if Encarnacion needs DL time

Yes, bullpen arms are at a premium in today’s MLB. Starting pitching prices have risen themselves, however, and Osuna’s chances of maximizing his career financially are significantly higher if working as a starter.

Then again, perhaps we’ve met the ultimate rarity: a player who doesn’t much care for that. 

Ultimately it will be the organization’s call, and depend largely on whether Aaron Sanchez or Drew Hutchison are a part of next season’s starting five.