Blue Jays shopping Roberto Osuna despite suspension

Even though we’ve rarely heard his name come up in trade talks, it appears as though the Blue Jays might be trying to move suspended closer Roberto Osuna.

The Blue Jays, stuck right in the middle of numerous trade talks, are apparently willing to part with suspended closer Roberto Osuna, according to a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Nightengale mentions the Houston Astros as a possible destination for the 23-year-old from Mexico.

From an optical standpoint, the Blue Jays sure have their hands full in trying to respectfully deal with Roberto Osuna’s possible return to the team. Depending on the court proceedings, he could end up playing again for this team by the first week of August.

Recent interviews with Osuna’s attorney have suggested that his legal team is hard at work to try and get some sort of deal done to try and avoid any intense legal punishment. Still, it’s hard to imagine Blue Jay fans embracing Osuna if he does return to the Rogers Centre.

From a baseball standpoint, which at this point seems almost unimportant, Osuna could be an attractive trade target if prospective clubs are willing to overlook his evidently tainted name. This issue is messy, dangerous and confusing for all involved, and a resolution to this conflict is not imminent.

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Nightengale’s prime suggestion to take Osuna, the dominant Houston Astros, have had loads of trouble closing out games this year, despite incredible success overall. With the fall of youngster Ken Giles and injuries to some key relievers, the Astros are poised to be active on the trade market for relief pitchers.

Given Osuna has team control and has shown, despite some rough patches, that he is consistently an excellent major league pitcher capable of closing out games with regular effectiveness, he could net a handsome return if dealt.

To conclude, this is merely a report, and it could end up being false altogether. Many in the fanbase feel seriously conflicted on how to feel about the young man that previously closed out games for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Next: Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. knocking off the rust in style

Trade or not, the Osuna story will be an interesting one to follow, but we must also remember that while Roberto Osuna the baseball player may be important, the actions and circumstances of Roberto Osuna the person should come first.