Blue Jays actively shopping closer Roberto Osuna

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, rival executives have indicated the Toronto Blue Jays are actively shopping closer Roberto Osuna who is still serving a suspension for a domestic violence allegation.

Roberto Osuna is eligible to return from his 75-game suspension on August 05th having last pitched for the Jays on May 06th. The 23-year old closer is currently on a rehab assignment having appeared in six minor league games at various levels without surrendering a run.

There has been much discussion involving the status of Osuna once his suspension was served and whether or not the Blue Jays brain trust would welcome the hurler back into the fold with the legal proceedings still hanging over his head.

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There is no questioning that Osuna is one of the most talented closers in the game and could immediately impact a playoff contender. However, it will be interesting to see just how much the domestic violence allegations impact his value in a potential trade.

The Blue Jays are somewhat handcuffed if teams feel that they are not going to allow him to pitch with the club ever again. General Manager Ross Atkins has indicated that Osuna will be welcomed back after the suspension expires but that may have just been a negotiating ploy.

Osuna sports a career 2.87 earned run average with 104 saves in just over three seasons at the major league level. Prior to his suspension, Osuna had compiled nine saves with a 2.93 earned run average in 15 appearances this season.

The Blue Jays are currently 48-56 and sit 24.5 games back of the first place Boston Red Sox in the American League East. The Jays are looking to rebuild and have already unloaded Steve Pearce, Seunghwan Oh, and J.A. Happ.

We should know the fate of Osuna’s future as a Blue Jay sooner than later as the non-waiver trade deadline is tomorrow at 4 pm eastern. Atkins and company should be active leading right up to the deadline with numerous players rumoured to be in play.