Yahoo Sports 
Fans, players, media react to Roberto Osuna's controversial trade to Houston
In what will certainly go down as the most controversial deal of the 2018 MLB non-waiver trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays dealt Roberto Osuna to the Houston Astros for Ken Giles, Hector Perez, and David Paulino.
Osuna’s 75-game suspension and his upcoming court date, where he is expected to plead not guilty to an assault charge, make this trade extremely polarizing. Sure, on the field, the closer is one of the most talented young arms in baseball but off of it, there are some major issues which are sure to impact his reputation within his new organization and fanbase.
The baseball community was full of opinions as this trade made the news on Monday evening.
The Houston Astros are the defending World Series Champions and by all accounts, 2018 has been a success even though the team is currently riding a five-game losing streak. Last year’s big in-season acquisition, Justin Verlander, has been vocal about his opinions on domestic violence in the past, and this trade does not impact his decision.
🖕🏻 you man. I hope the rest of your life without baseball is horrible. You deserve all that is coming your way! https://t.co/e8nJ8urUAJ
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) March 15, 2018
Justin Verlander on Roberto Osuna: "The thing for us to remember here, is that the details haven’t come to light … Obviously, I’ve said some pretty inflammatory things about stuff like this in the past and I stand by my words."
🎥: @brianmctaggart pic.twitter.com/L3VxV90qel
— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) July 31, 2018
Verlander is not the only member of the Astros’ clubhouse to air his opinion about the subject. Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has also discussed the issue in the past and has taken a strong stance on the subject.
The issue here is no one cared as much until a video was leaked & now everyone is outraged!? This is the reality of domestic violence. It’s always brutal, always sickening. We must fight for the victims, video or not. He should be in jail. If you need help, find it. People care. https://t.co/1ZhHnJlX3o
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) March 15, 2018
Blue Jays’ manager John Gibbons has also spoken about the trade. Gibbons had managed the right-hander for four seasons and has been the only manager Osuna has had since arriving in the Major Leagues.
… I hope he gets his life together so he doesn't have to deal with all the BS and chaos, that he enjoys his life and goes on to have a great career like I think he will. But more importantly, that his life is good and all the other people involved. That's what I worry about."
— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) July 31, 2018
Despite Osuna’s ability on the field, acquiring a player that is currently serving a suspension for domestic violence is sure to make more than a few Astros fans upset, given the message that is being sent by the team. A member of the Houston media and members of their fanbase were also quick to denounce Monday’s trade.
I grew up a fan of the Astros. I like covering the team and genuinely like and respect so many of the players and staff there. I also wholeheartedly disagree with the organization when it comes to the Osuna trade.
— Jenny Dial Creech (@jennydialcreech) July 31, 2018
Sports fans, two things can be true at the same time: 1- you can unconditionally love your team and cheer for them. 2- you can also be disappointed and demand better when it acquires a player with a history of assault.
— Jenny Dial Creech (@jennydialcreech) July 31, 2018
As a lifelong @Astros fan, I’m incredibly disappointed by the acquisition of Osuna. No game is more important than a woman’s life & wellbeing. I can’t watch another game or support a team who chooses this. 😡
— Samantha (@samseal1983) July 31, 2018
After a few hours to digest the Osuna deal, here's where I think I am. I'm extremely disappointed that this move was made. Some things are bigger than whether or not it's a good baseball move.
— Batguy (@The_Batguy) July 31, 2018
Over the past four years, Toronto fans have watched Osuna, a former All-Star, transition from a fan favourite to a player most fans no longer want to see in a Blue Jays uniform. Osuna’s talent notwithstanding, the Blue Jays faithful largely seemed to support Monday’s trade.
Kudos to the Blue Jays. When Osuna got himself into this mess, I hoped he had played his last game in my favorite team's jersey. Great organizations employ quality people. Talent trumps character in too many organizations and that's not fair. Proud to be a Jays fan today.
— Arthur Agee (@MattSpencinator) July 30, 2018
I’m sure the Blue Jays could never imagine a scenario where they’d need to trade a 23-year old mercurial closer of Roberto Osuna’s talent and pedigree, but playing baseball in Toronto is a rare privilege and should only be about honouring the brand and fans. This is a good step.
— Ari Shapiro (@ari_shapiro) July 30, 2018
Thank you to the @BlueJays for trading Roberto Osuna. I didnt want to see him play another game for the #Jays #BlueJays . Fans dont get upset when he has great games/seasons. Some things are bigger than sport. Jays being leaders with Pillar and now Osuna. It makes this fan happy.
— Ryan McDonnell (@RyanPMcDonnell) July 30, 2018
More MLB coverage on Yahoo Canada Sports:
