Blue Jays should explore Roberto Osuna trade market

Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna has gone from hero to zero in one fell swoop and now the Jays brain trust must do their due diligence and explore what a possible trade scenario could look like moving forward.

This time last season nobody would have ever fathomed that Roberto Osuna would be on the trading block, however, I had my doubts that Osuna would ever suit up for the Jays again following his arrest for domestic assault.

The 23-year old flamethrower is eligible to return from his MLB stipulated suspension on August 04th, a mere few days after the mid-summer trade deadline. Coincidence, probably not. The Jays are going to take a harsh stance on Osuna and his actions and I believe you will see the native of Mexico shipped out of town before the conclusion of his 75-game suspension.

Osuna has handcuffed his employer into exploring his trade value due to his alleged off-field indiscretions. The interesting caveat will be to see what interested teams would be willing to give up for Osuna in light of his brush with the law.

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Relievers are always in demand especially those of Roberto Osuna‘s ilk, the hurler has a proven track record closing out games and is controllable until 2021. Osuna has slammed shut 104 games in his brief time in the majors and was very effective again this season leading up to his administrative leave.

The Jays have a plethora of viable relievers who could be on the move before this all shakes out. Interim closer Ryan Tepera has also been mentioned in trade whispers last week but the likes of John Axford, Tyler Clippard, and Aaron Loup could all be on the move.

It’s anyone’s guess which teams would be interested in his services or what the ransom coming back north of the border would be but unfortunately, it is an option Ross Atkins and company have no choice but to explore.

Next: Blue Jays: Could this be the final audition for J.A. Happ?

The Jays are on the verge of a fire sale with their sights set on the future, Osuna has now become an asset to make that happen. The former fan favourite has literally punched his ticket out of town.