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Former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig debuts in Mexican League

By David Hill |
Oct 28, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after hitting a single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox in game five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after hitting a single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox in game five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Yasiel Puig has been one of the more perplexing players over the past two offseasons. The former Dodgers outfielder is in the midst of his prime and has a solid major league track record, but had not been able to generate much interest in free agency. He eventually signed in the Mexican League for the 2021 season, with the hope of using a strong showing there as a springboard to a return to the majors.

Puig made his debut with Aguila de Veracruz on Friday. He did not miss a beat, notching three hits, scoring a run, and driving in another.

Former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig makes impressive debut

This is the type of debut that Puig needed. If he is going to rebuild his stock, and find another opportunity in the majors, he will need to continue to put together strong plate appearances and dominate in Mexico. He did that in his first game back, not showing any rust although he had not played since 2019.

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Puig does not exactly have the greatest of reputations, which may have played into his struggles to find a major league team. He is considered hotheaded and mercurial, someone that front offices may not appreciate. Add in the allegations of sexual assault and a civil lawsuit against him, and one can understand why those offers were not forthcoming.

But that does not change what Puig has been on the field. Although he was unable to replicate his first two seasons when he appeared to be an emerging star, he has been a solid outfielder. He has posted a career .277/.348/.475 batting line in 3376 plate appearances, hitting 132 homers and 159 doubles. A solid all around player, Puig could help any number of major league teams right now.

It is entirely possible that he gets this chance. First, Puig will need to prove himself on a smaller stage, spending time in Mexico to show that he can still be productive. At the same time, if he is a solid teammate and citizen, it will only help in his quest to return stateside.

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Former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig made his Mexican League debut on Friday. It went as well as anyone could have hoped for.

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