Blue Jays: Recapping the big storylines from 2018

The Roberto Osuna Saga

I considered not even including this, mostly because it’s not a trip down memory lane that I relish at all, but it was a pretty significant development for the Blue Jays in 2018 and beyond, so I feel it should be mentioned.

In case you missed it somehow, Osuna was arrested in early May on suspicion of domestic violence, and went through quite a lengthy legal proceeding throughout the year. He eventually got off pretty light, as the charge was withdrawn because of a peace bond that was accepted.

That didn’t mean he got off easy when it came to Major League Baseball through. He was slapped with a suspension that went from May 8th until August 4th, receiving 75 games for the transgression. The commissioner’s office has swiftly dealt with situations like this in recent years, and Osuna was no exception.

The Blue Jays ultimately decided that they didn’t want him around either, and found a trade partner in the Houston Astros. Considering the circumstances I’m impressed with what they got in return, as Ken Giles, David Paulino, and Hector Perez all came back to the Blue Jays in the deal. Osuna was arguably their best trade chip before the 2018 season started, but there’s no denying his value took a massive hit due to everything that took place.

Regardless of what any of us believe really happened that day, or how talented Osuna is, having the distraction away from the Blue Jays is probably a very good thing. I’m not the judge and jury here by any means, but it was a bad look for the young man, and something the Blue Jays ultimately decided to move on from. I can’t say I blame them one little bit.