Blue Jays disastrous season compounded by Donaldson and Osuna

Regardless of where anyone thought the Toronto Blue Jays would be in the standings at this point in the season, the issues are definitely compounded by the developments involving pending free agent Josh Donaldson and Roberto Osuna.

The Blue Jays brain trust made a decision not to cut bait with Josh Donaldson during the offseason knowing that if the team sputtered in the standings they could still ship out their asset at the trade deadline to a contender for a decent return.

Unfortunately, Donaldson has battled shoulder and calf injuries all season long making two visits to the disabled list. The former MVP has looked like a shell of his former and his trade value has undoubtedly plummetted to the point where J.A. Happ is a more worthy trade chip.

Donaldson is batting .234/.333/.423 with five home runs and 44 strikeouts in 36 games this season. The 32-year old has also hampered his pending free agent windfall with his poor play and frequent injuries. The third baseman is making $23 million this season but will be hard-pressed to make that kind of cake next season and beyond on the open market.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Blue Jays: Snapping cold streaks at the right time
• Who Should the Blue Jays Extend First: Guerrero, Bichette or Manoah?
• Blue Jays now hold the top Wild Card spot, and yes that’s a good thing
• Blue Jays may have the tools to use a Bullpen Day
• Blue Jays win important first game after Bichette’s late inning heroics

Coupled with Donaldson is the legal troubles surrounding closer Roberto Osuna and his uncertain status with the team. The 23-year old was the cornerstone of the bullpen and expected to be the closer for years to come. It is hard to fathom a conceivable scenario where Osuna returns to the team after the domestic abuse allegations surrounding him.

There is a very good chance the Jays release the closer and walk away from him altogether before this is all said and done.

Next: Blue Jays: Will Cavan Biggio make his MLB debut?

So here the Jays sit 26-35 at the beginning of June with nearly no chance for the playoffs, their former MVP has hardly any trade value and their All-Star closer may never suit up for the team again. Where do the Blue Jays go from here, troubling times north of the border?