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Los Angeles Dodgers: Yasiel Puig finally finds a home

ByDavid Hill|
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning of game four of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 27, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning of game four of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 27, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

Yasiel Puig‘s journey through free agency had been a strange one. The former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder was unable to generate much interest at all this offseason, as any teams that were rumored to be in discussions with the outfielder quickly denied such talks. This was a similar situation to last year, where Puig languished in free agency until the second training camp, only to have his deal voided when he tested positive for COVID.

Finally, on Tuesday, Puig found a home. He is set to sign with Veracruz in the Mexican League for the 2021 season.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig gets another chance

There was a time when Puig seemed destined for stardom. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, finishing second in the 2013 NL Rookie of the Year voting and 15th on the MVP ballot although he did not debut until June 3 that year. When he was named to the All Star Game the following year, that was expected to be the first of many appearances.

Instead, Puig never lived up to that potential. While he settled in as a solid outfielder, he was never the star he was expected to be. Over his seven years in the majors, he posted a solid .277/.348/.475 batting line, hitting 132 homers and 159 doubles, but was unable to match the expectations.

Puig also became known more for his antics than his performance. He was considered a hothead, something that he did not exactly disprove. One of the more enduring images of Puig from his final season involved his attempting to fight the entire Pirates’ team, a move that endeared himself to his teammates and the Reds’ fanbase, but continued to further that reputation.

Now 30 years old, Puig is getting another chance to rebuild his career. If he can perform well in the Mexican League, there is a chance that he could get another look in the majors. If not, Puig may be able to head to Japan and build a nice career for himself overseas. But it comes down to him and how he performs.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is heading to the Mexican League. If he can perform well there, he may find another MLB opportunity.

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