Jeff Luhnow, former GM of the Houston Astros, reflects on the controversial trade for Roberto Osuna during the 2018 season. Acquired while under suspension for domestic violence, Osuna's addition to the Astros sparked outrage among fans. Luhnow acknowledges that he underestimated the trade's impact on female fans and admits he would handle it differently today. Osuna was a talented closer, but his off-field issues overshadowed his contributions, especially after the Astros' World Series loss to the Nationals the following season. Currently, Osuna plays in Japan, having faced injury setbacks and eventual release from Houston.

Florida State's Jamie Arnold has emerged as a leading prospect in the 2025 MLB Draft, positioned as one of the top pitchers available. Known for his impressive 12.65 strikeouts per nine innings and a solid 2.98 ERA, the left-hander is expected to be a first-round pick. MLB experts have consistently ranked him within the top 10, with projections suggesting he could land with the Toronto Blue Jays or the Cincinnati Reds. The interest in Arnold highlights his potential to fill a vital role in a major league rotation, particularly for teams looking for durable, high-strikeout arms.

Arnold is considered a veteran presence among college pitchers. His trajectory reflects a potential upward arc in value post-draft, particularly for teams like the Blue Jays, who may view him as a key asset following the expected departures of pitchers such as Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman. Analysts laud Arnold's fastball-slider combination as big-league-ready, making him a coveted asset in this year’s draft.

The Toronto Blue Jays faced a disappointing 4-3 defeat against the Oakland Athletics, failing to capitalize on their rivals' misfortunes. Kevin Gausman struggled on the mound, allowing four runs over five innings, while the Blue Jays' offense faltered, particularly with runners in scoring position.

Despite having a chance to tie the game in the eighth inning, clutch strikes by players like Alejandro Kirk and George Springer left them wanting. The Red Sox, taking advantage of the Jays' loss, are now just four games back after their own victory, signaling a tightening race for the postseason.

Last season's struggles have positioned the Toronto Blue Jays for a significant opportunity in the upcoming MLB draft, where they hold the eighth overall pick, their highest since 2020. With a new director of amateur scouting, Marc Tramuta, at the helm, the Jays aim to revamp their farm system post a disappointing season.

Tramuta, who has a notable track record from his time with the Mets, emphasizes a focus on versatile, athletic players, particularly those playing up-the-middle positions. Mock drafts suggest they may target Florida State's standout pitcher Jamie Arnold or high school shortstops like JoJo Parker and Billy Carlson. With limited resources due to penalties from free agency signings, the Jays are looking to maximize their early pick's value while refining their scouting strategies.

As we dive into Week 16 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, numerous two-start pitchers present promising opportunities for savvy roster decisions. Notably, pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Carlos Rodon are scheduled to face teams ranked among the top in strikeouts, providing a favorable backdrop for strikeout potential. Meanwhile, pitchers such as Mitch Keller and Max Scherzer, despite their recent struggles, show potential against weaker lineups. Keller’s impressive 2.05 ERA over the past month is noteworthy, while Scherzer could find success against a San Francisco squad that has struggled to score.

Streaming options include Trevor Rogers and Brayan Bello, both of whom have exhibited solid form this season. However, Rogers faces a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, who rank second in scoring since June 1. For those looking to gamble, risky options like Jack Leiter and Jose Soriano come with caveats, as they both face high-scoring offenses that could put them in a precarious position. For fantasy managers, the All-Star break extends this week, allowing for more strategic roster moves as we navigate these matchups.