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Former Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna staying in NPB

By David Hill

Oct 25, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (54) pitches during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals in game three of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Roberto Osuna (54) pitches during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals in game three of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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If former Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna is going to return to the major leagues, it will have to wait another year.

According to Enrique Rojas from ESPN, Osuna is returning to the Chiba Lotte Marines for 2023. At this point, it is unknown how much he will receive in that deal.

Former Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna continuing to rebuild value

There was a time when Osuna appeared to be on a potential Hall of Fame arc. He had notched 154 saves by the time he had turned 25 years old, a dominant closer who appeared to have his best years ahead of him. As he was part of a burgeoning Astros dynasty, he seemed set to break records in the coming years.

That was not to be the case. Osuna had been arrested for domestic violence in 2018, earning a 75 game suspension. Then, he suffered an elbow injury in 2020 that was expected to require Tommy John surgery, although he opted for rest and rehab. Those elbow concerns led to the Astros letting him go, with Osuna heading to Mexico for 2021.

He was back in Mexico to begin the 2022 season before signing with the Marines. Osuna showed that he was healthy last year as he dominated in Japan, posting a 0.91 ERA and a 0.607 WHiP in his 29.2 innings, notching ten saves as he struck out 32 batters with three walks. He certainly appeared to be completely healthy and someone that could be on the major league radar.

Maybe that will be the case in the 2023-24 offseason. Osuna would be 29 years old heading into the 2024 campaign and could get another chance with another strong showing in Japan. It is also possible that his previous domestic violence arrest and suspension have ended his chances stateside. That picture may be clearer next year.

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Former Houston Astros closer Roberto Osuna is staying in Japan. He is reportedly set to sign a one year deal with the Chiba Lotte Marines.

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