Toronto Blue Jays: Roberto Osuna continues to make history

It’s 100 not out for Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna, as he becomes the youngest player in MLB history to reach 100 saves.

June 22, 2015 was an important date for Roberto Osuna, as it marked his first career save in the Majors. No one in the Toronto Blue Jays organization could have known it was the start of something special.

On Tuesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, Osuna made it 100 not out, as he recorded yet another save. In the process, he became the youngest player in MLB history to reach 100 saves.

It proved to be just the latest record for the 23-year-old. His résumé includes being the youngest MLB player to reach 75 saves, as well as being the first player in team history with back-to-back 35+ save seasons.

Russell Martin was asked to describe how Osuna handles himself on the mound. As reported by Sportsnet‘s Shi Davidi, the Blue Jays’ catcher said:

"“Fearless. He’s just fearless. He’s just never intimidated, never scared. He has never shown me any jitters, even when he was 19 or 20, or whatever. He’s cold-blooded, like an assassin, just not afraid of anything.”"

We know Osuna has had his issues, after revealing last season he suffers with anxiety. This only makes his accomplishments even more impressive.

Thoughts now turn to how much more he can achieve, if the 2017 All-Star decides to stick around for the long-term in Toronto. He is already tied for third on the all-time franchise list for saves, along with Billy Koch.

More from Toronto Blue Jays

• Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
• Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
• Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
• Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
• Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback

Next up for Osuna will be Duane Ward. At his current rate — he leads the AL with five saves entering Wednesday’s slate of games — he could well surpass Ward’s mark of 121 this season.

After that, it would be some way to catching the man who currently leads the Blue Jays all-time. That man would be Tom Henke, who has 217 career saves.

Blue Jays fans could be forgiven for already having one eye on where Osuna may end up in terms of the MLB record for career saves. For what it’s worth, the all-time top three are Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601) and Lee Smith (478).

Of course, this is dependent on the Sinaloa, Mexico native remaining with the Blue Jays long-term. For now though, all fans can do is marvel at what he has already accomplished and not take it for granted.

Certainly, John Gibbons appreciates what he has in Osuna. As reported by Davidi, the Blue Jays’ manager said:

"“I’m not even so sure he gets enough credit around the game for what he’s done. I forget how old he is – you’d never know. You’d think he was an old man out there the way he handles himself. There’s nothing like that ninth inning. A lot of people think anybody can do it. They can’t. That’s what makes him so special.”"

Special certainly sounds right for a youngster who has allowed no runs and just two hits during his first six appearances in 2018. Long may it continue in Southern Ontario.

Next: Setback for Kendrys Morales

What kind of season are you projecting/predicting for Osuna at this stage? Do you see him sticking around long enough to break the Toronto Blue Jays’ all-time saves record? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.