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MLB Trade Rumors: Houston Astros reportedly trade for the Blue Jays’ Roberto Osuna

The Astros are getting some more help for their bullpen, although the acquisition won’t be without controversy.

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

There are a lot of contenders who are looking for relief help right now, which is fortunate because there are a ton of relievers on the trade market right now. We have seen the Nationals, Braves, Yankees, and other teams make additions to their bullpens this trade season and we will likely see more do the same.

However, one of the more intriguing names on the trade market of late has been the Blue Jays’ Roberto Osuna. Osuna is coming off a 3 fWAR season in 2017 that saw him post a 3.38 ERA and 1.74 FIP in 2017 and has posted similar numbers in limted action this year. However, the reason he has seen limited action this year is because he has been serving a 75 game suspension due to assault charges against him. He is eligible to be reinstated August 5th, although he has a pending court date that complicates things a bit. However, it appears that the Astros are not deterred.

It wasn’t that long ago that Ken Giles was a big time acquisition for the Astros from the Phillies that cost them a pretty penny. However, after posting a 4.99 ERA in 34 games with the Astros that also saw his strikeout rate dip, the Astros are moving on and sending him to the Jays.

There are several parts of this deal that will raise some eyebrows including sending Giles out of town and the acquisition of Osuna given his off the field issues. We will update this story with the full details of the Jays’ return as those details are made available.

**UPDATE**

The Blue Jays got two prospects in addition to Giles in the deal. Given the circumstances surrounding Osuna, that is a haul.