Los Angeles Dodgers: Time for Yasiel Puig to look overseas
Spring training is underway and former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig finds himself in the same spot he was last year – on the outside looking in. He was unable to drum up a job this offseason, and despite rumors of teams being interested, finds himself unsigned yet again.
This same situation occurred last year. Puig was unsigned during spring training through the shutdown. However, once the second part of spring training was allowed to continue, he was signed by the Braves. That contract lasted for just a handful of hours as Puig tested positive for COVID-19 and the contract was rescinded.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig should look overseas
There were teams that were reportedly interested in Puig this offseason. The Yankees and Marlins, amongst other teams, had supposedly been looking to bring the mercurial outfielder on board. However, every team denied those reports.
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There is no question that Puig could be an upgrade for quite a few teams. He is a lifetime .277/.348/.475 hitter with 132 homers and 159 doubles in his 3376 plate appearances. Even though he struggled in 2019, Puig was still a respectable bat, producing a 99 OPS+, just a hair below average.
But there is more to Puig than just his bat. He is a loose cannon, a player known for his quirkiness and, at times, volatility. We can all recall when, as a member of the Reds, he was ready to take on the entire Pirates’ roster. Those antics, coupled with his declining productivity, may be the reason why Puig is still searching for a home.
Instead of looking stateside, it may be time for Puig to look overseas. Teams in the Korean Baseball Organization were reportedly interested in his services last year, but he was determined to play in the majors. As teams are just not interested, it is time for Puig to look to rebuild his career elsewhere.
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Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig has not generated any interest this offseason. Maybe a year overseas will change his career trajectory.