4. RP Roberto Osuna
It’s safe to say that in terms of production, the Astros came out on the positive side of the risk-reward equation after bringing Osuna aboard while he was serving a 75-game suspension for a domestic violence incident. Over the last season-plus, he has a 2.46 ERA, a 9.4 K.9, a 1.5 BB/9 and 50 saves over 89 regular season appearances (an AL-leading 38 saves and an AL-leading 56 games finished in 2019). He’s arbitration eligible this offseason, and projected by MLB Trade Rumors to get $10.2 million after making $6.5 million last year.
The way Houston has been able to cultivate pitching, and help guys like Cole, Justin Verlander and Ryan Pressly find a new level, paying their closer over $10 million feels like a misappropriation of resources. That’s not to say Osuna hasn’t earned that kind of raise in salary, since he most definitely has, but cost-wise he may just no longer be a great fit for the back end of the Astros’ bullpen. If they can get a similar pitcher (or see someone who they think they can make into a similar pitcher) for less money, and couple that with sending Osuna elsewhere, that seem like an opportunity they’d take.
With the premium placed on bullpen arms, Osuna could fetch a solid trade return for the Astros once his salary for next year is locked in. If a couple good prospects can be procured from a team that’s even a little desperate for a good closer, Osuna may be on the move.