Former Toronto Blue Jays All-Star closer cut from Opening Day roster in NPB
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
It appears that former Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna has been cut from the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Opening Day roster.
From 2015 to 2018 Roberto Osuna was among the top relief pitchers in Major League Baseball during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Over that stretch, he consistently delivered strong results, never recording an ERA higher than 3.38.
His standout season came in 2017, when he earned his only All-Star selection after tallying 39 saves and 83 strikeouts across 64 innings.
However, his career trajectory shifted in 2018 when he received a 75-game suspension from MLB for violating its domestic violence policy.
Later that season, he was traded to the Houston Astros for right-handed reliever Ken Giles, bringing his tenure with Toronto to an end.
In 2022, Osuna moved to Japan, signing with the Chiba Lotte Marines before joining the Hawks, where he has played for the past two seasons.
Osuna lost his closer role during interleague play, left off Opening Day roster
According to Gajin Baseball, the 31-year-old right-hander, once among the highest-paid players in Nippon Professional Baseball, has struggled to meet expectations.
Roberto Osuna has not made the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Opening Day Roster. Currently one of the highest paid players in NPB. He has not lived up to his billing since signing the contract, and was removed from the closer role during interleague. There are rumors that he may be cut.
Osuna's performance last season reflected that decline, as he posted a 4.15 ERA with just 16 strikeouts over 26 inning, well below the level he showed earlier in his career.
At this point, he is expected either to begin the 2026 season in the Hawks' farm system or potentially part ways with the club altogether.
During his time with Toronto, Osuna compiled a 2.87 ERA, 104 saves, and 253 strikeouts in 223 innings, highlighted by his All-Star campaign in 2017 when he recorded a career-high 39 saves. a career-high 39 saves.
Osuna last pitched in the big-leagues in 2020.
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