TODAY: Negotiations between the Giants and Puig are “all but dead,” according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area. Puig isn’t a priority for the team now that Pence and Billy Hamilton have been added to San Francisco’s outfield mix.
FEBRUARY 7: Yasiel Puig has been the top dog on the free agent market for over a week now. His market situation remains largely unclear, though a few new tidbits of information have emerged today.
Both the Rays and Giants have given some indication of interest in the 29-year-old outfielder, per reports from Jon Heyman of MLB Network (Twitter link) and Robert Murray (via Twitter). It’s not clear in either case just how extensive the interest is.
Trouble is, both teams face some rather clear limitations on paper. The San Francisco club made quite a bit more sense before they reportedly struck a deal today with Hunter Pence. It’s still possible to imagine a fit, but that’d mean crowding out some of the players to whom the team has seemingly wished to provide opportunities.
Down in Tampa Bay, chasing after Puig would presumably represent a value-driven proposition. After all, there’s no need from a roster perspective. The Rays already have two righty bats in their corner outfield mix in Hunter Renfroe and Jose Martinez. No doubt the budget-conscious club would only move on Puig if it gets a bargain and/or has other machinations in mind for making a late tweak to its roster mix.
As we covered in the above-linked post, there are some other conceivable fits on paper. But as yet we haven’t heard of keen interest from many of the teams that could possibly match. With only a week or so left until camps open, it’ll be interesting to see how this situation develops.
Puig’s behavior has nuked him. It will be interesting to see where he lands. The Giants could have used him.
His behavior last year in Cincy/Cleveland was the best of his career he was respected in the Reds dugout
yet the Reds showed no interest in bringing him back even with a need in the OF.
Puig not having a job right now and Baltimore running whoever they will in the outfield is why there will be a strike in baseball soon
So the Reds went “Puig, or the guy who hit 58 doubles last year?” and you’re saying they made the wrong move. Great.
tells you something about what really was going on there…
I like Puig and would like to see Baltimore go for him, but OF seems to be the least of their problems. They have Mancini, Hays, and Santander there and then guys like DJ Stewart and possibly Ryan Mountcastle who they want to leave room for.
It would be nice if they’d get a little more aggressive and pick up someone like Puig, but even if they signed him, they’d probably just be taking the chance that he’d have a good first half and they could deal him for prospects. That doesn’t seem to be the type of risk that they’re into right now.
Puig is cancer. Even his teammates dont like him. He is the sole reason Greinke did not resign with the Dodgers
Strike 4, if that comment was meant for me, no, I am not at all saying they made the wrong move by signing Castellanos and not going after Puig, quite the opposite. I was just saying the Reds showed no interest in Puig, even before signing Nick C…despite being “respected in the clubhouse”.
Deserrbull
Bullsh@@@. The sole reason Greinke did not resign with the Dodgers was the $$$$ the Diamondbacks gave him
Sole reason? Yeah right. I think the actual sole and only reason was that they offered him less money, and the D-Backs made him the highest-paid player in MLB at the time.
+Joe
Yet Cincy has too many OFers now lol
Parx I think sadly for baseball you’re right about the strike. Too much tension right now.
Puig was the sole reasonGreinke did not resign with the Dodgers?
Didn’t know Puig was in charge of the Dodgers’ counter-offer to the AZ offer.
Guess Ned Coletti would still have a job if he didn’t delegate so much.
Perhaps Puig and his reps chose to stay away from
Baltimore’s ongoing dumpster fire. Sadly, Camden Yards is where baseball careers go to die.
Nearly every major free agent got paid north of their predicted value this offseason. Puig is a controversial player due to his behavior and many clubs don’t want that energy in their clubhouse. Not trying to knock puig but he’s most likely asking for more than what clubs are willing to pay him. That in no way correlates to a the PA striking.
Couldn’t hit lefties
@ joe. Don’t worry about ball four she has a crush on Puig.
and yet is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the league, if you’ve never been to Camden yards you should make a point to go, it is a great venue for a baseball game
I was just thinking that the O’s should sign him to a 1-year deal and flip him at the all star break
Baltimore is going to have a good outfield mix this season, bud. Not sure what team you’re looking at, but I’ll take Santander, Hays and Mancini any day.
Greinke took the most money because he is smart, plain and simple.
What benefit could the Orioles possibly gain by signing Puig? Maybe they lose 97 games instead of 100?
I believe the Dbacks ridiculous contract is why Greinke didn’t sign with the Dodgers
Jumping into the middle of a baseball brawl that didn’t include him is not good behavior.
Or you could look at it as defending his teammates.
I think he needs a manager who knows how to handle ADHD and extract the talent with positive reinforcement. I could see him playing for Gardenhire in Detroit with Miggy there to keep things in line, or in Toronto. As mentioned above, maybe a midseason trade chip..
I chuckle at the thought of him playing for Billy Martin..not sure if it would have been a disaster or a perfect match. But it probably wouldn’t fall much in between. I miss Billy!
Guys a bone head. Off to AAAA Marlins or Pirates
After last season’s Pirates/Reds dust-ups, the Pirates will never take Puig.
Which could serve as a learning lesson for everyone…don’t burn bridges…it may be the last one you have
lol.
Perhaps the Giants are looking to avoid an all out revolt from the fans… loosing MadBum and adding Puig in the same off-season would be too much for some to handle.
Too much to handle? Puig was a good teammate, who hustled his butt off last year. He’s very involved in the communities that he plays in via his charity work. Puig has a career OPS+ of 122 and a cannon arm in RF. His problems in LA can be traced back to one sportscaster with an axe to grind.
Puig will thrive on a team like the Rockies or Rangers. He’d fit in really well with the Texas clubhouse. 2/10, maybe 2/15… the dude would rake.
White male journalists nuked Puig’s rep more than anything he ever did.
If you’re saying these “white male journalists” made things up, then it’s slander/libel depending how they put out the misinformation.
Otherwise, it all started with puig’s own actions which, unless I’m mistaken, PUIG is responsible for.
Oh, look, the SJW is a racist, imagine my shock.
Oh so racism is the reason Puig is unsigned? Nothing to do with his on and off the field behavior/performance, it’s all about racist journos. Thank you for spreading this kind of wisdom on the rest of us who were not blessed with the benefit of Northern California brainwashing.
Puig’s reputation is bad because of an old ass manager who thought baseball should be played a “certain way” and then got fired for being bad.
Fact…
No dummy. It wasn’t an d ass manager. It was his teammates. Grenke threw his luggage off the bus because of his antics.
Seriously? Pulling that card?! Ridiculous…
Someone at MLB Trade Rumors needs to ban StrikeFour. He is constantly making racial comments and/or race baiting. No place for this in society anymore. It’s a daily occurrence and past disrespectful to all your readers.
StrikeFour you’re out of here.
Delete your account
Glad to see some serious depth contributed to the convo from Strike Four. Not
“White male journalists nuked Puig’s rep more than anything he ever did”. Now THAT is funny Strike 4. I guess it has nothing too do with his clubhouse issues with Grienke and other teammates with the Dodgers, showing up late far too often, his on field conduct causing dustups and/or acting like a thug when with both LA (Giants/D’Backs/Marlins) & Cinncy (Cubs/Pirates), and acting childish and glaring at pitchers who throw the least bit inside. Nope, none of those things have anything to do with it. The guy can play, even if he hit only 2 HR’s with Cleveland in 49 games, guy hit .267 with 24 HR’s and 84 RBI overall last year and has a cannon for an arm. Whomever signs him just has to be willing to accept the personal/clubhouse baggage that comes along with it.
You continue to make stupid inflammatory comments. Why don’t you just go away…..
Japan.
As a giants fan I’d be down for some puig
This is not a behavioral issue. He’s just a risk from not knowing if he can continue to produce at a high level. If anyone wanted him, they could have offered him 3 & 30 million & he would have jumped. He wants 15 million.
Hopefully he’ll go sign a 10 year pact in Asia so we never have to hear about him again.
Puig has grown up. Behavior is not an issue. Yes he’s still a character but that’s refreshing It’s about his production. He’d fit in a number of places
He had a shot to sign with Marlins took his time to decide they went with C.D instead. Could be he missed his window
to sign on his japan vacation
He may not land until mid season to fill an injury void.
Nippon Ham Fighters
Ha!!
Like it lol
He would destroy japan
Lol that’s funny
Rangers should give him a chance.
I agree. 2/12 sounds fair.
st louis
If he’d play in St. Louis for free—-that would be the only way “The owners” would sign him. ( or anybody else! )
take a nap, uncle mike
I’d like to see him play for the Cards. Maybe on a one year deal.
Rockies.
Rockies would be interesting
Wouldn’t be a bad idea. That would move Blackmon to left field, which he seems like he would fit better at than right field.
Sam Hilliard deserves a chance to play
Maybe a team in Cuba
There is a reason Puig is still on the board. Talent isn’t everything.
How bout the rest of the players still on the board?
We’re talking about Puig.
You surely are not suggesting collusion after Cole getting $300m, Rendon getting $200m, Machado and Harper getting $300m last year. Wheeler getting $100M, etc etc.
Ah yes, Felipe Vazquez gets a job but Puig is too much.
Your opinion of Puig is due to white male aging baseball writers badmouthing him. think for yourself. Maybe Puig wants 5/100?
Delusional much?
Um, what? I don’t think anybody said that Vazquez deserves another shot after what he did?
A white male writer didn’t throw his luggage off the bus and try to strangle him. It was Zack Greinke. His teammates hated his childish BS. Stop licking the back of your Bernie sticker.
Vin Scully You got any idea at all why Grienke acted like a child that day? Plenty of other entitled white players think it’s their job to police the game and tell us all how serious and uptight players should be.
I never saw a player with more heart and spirit than Puig with the Reds. He’s a credit to the game and has clearly grown as a person. Have you?
Looking forward to the Sanders presidency and sweeping racist bigots out of our leadership. Too bad he can’t run baseball too
Never read anything negative about Yasiel Puig.
I have seen him act eccentric and crazy on TV though.
youtu.be/AADxvQwlnLw
The league is only like 52% white
I don’t see bashing on the entire 48% of the players who would be considered POC
Just the crazy acting ones, white people included.
Just because a POC is judged by their personality doesn’t mean they are victims of racism.
I’ve read more negative things about Bryce Harper being a punk.. especially his first few years..
Manny Machado
AJ pierzynski
Nick Swisher
Here’s a list.. people of all color..black brown white
google.com/amp/s/calltothepen.com/2018/11/01/mlb-m…
I watched the video. First off, it was a ball, low and outside. Having watched Puig for years with the Dodgers, it did seem like some of the umps had it out for him. I don’t think it was racism, they just didn’t like his way of going about the game. And he doesn’t look crazy to me, he just looks like he really cares. That’s the wild horse for you–he leaves it all on the field and sometimes he blows up when it doesn’t work out.
bro you gotta stop
Stop it, racist.
P@strikefour Puig is a pig of a person. His reputation in the clubhouses and front offices around the league has nothing to do with the media because players and coaches don’t care what the media says about other players. They care what other players and coaches that they know say about other players.
He kept his head down for part of one season in Cincinnati, but there is a reason that the Reds didn’t even consider bringing him back. There is a reason the Indians, a team so desperate for OF help that they signed Domingo Santana, has absolutely no interest in Puig. There is a reason that no team has even made him a minor league offer. That reason is not white reporters. Its Puig.
5/100, that’s hilarious! You’re race baiting again and are clueless. GM’s do think for themselves and no one is paying $20 million a year for 5 years for a .287 career hitter who averages less than 19 HR’s and 60 RBI’s across their first 7 seasons. Ozuna has more HR’s and RBI’s hitting .272 over 7 seasons and he got a 1 year “prove it” contract for $18M, with none of the baggage that Puig carries with him.
Strike four I could see you wrapping your lips around a diesel exhaust pipe, and taking huge breathes trying to stop all the evil/mean co2 from getting into the air. Also you’ve had too many frozen daiquiri’s go home.
How about other teams are waiting for the LA/BOS/MIN/LA trade to finalize? If it doesn’t, then there’s some good outfielders potentially available.
Mariners should bring him in to complete the circus that the team will be
Except they wont sign anyone that could possibly make them better sad days ahead for us mariner fans
Tampa makes sense. He just needs to accept a lower offer and take notice that no one is going to take him until he asks for less. Kind of like like JD Martinez with Boston. (When he was a FA)
I say he goes to the Colt 45s or maybe the Expos
Heard the Seattle Pilots were in on him too!
My sources are telling me that the St. Louis Browns are preparing a 3 year/$45 million contract for the former Cuba superstar outfielder.
Puig held the Dodgers from several World Series titles, as well as David Roberts’ goofiness. He’s Kyrie Irving, with less talent.
Lol oh boy, whet a take.
He had the biggest hit of NLCS 2018 game 7 to advance the Dodgers to the World Series
You definitely have had a lot of concussions, haven’t you?
Stop talking to yourself
Hahahaaa! Ahh you’re funny…no, not really.
I know little, but I do know enough to suggest The Mets…between them and The Phillies nothing fits right. Plus I do wonder if Jean Segura would pick a fight with Puig?
Thank you for the word salad. Much obliged!
Detroit or bust
Whoever signs Puig is going to get some good value with that contact
Wholeheartedly agree with your comment…
I think the Puig is a baby narrative is overblown and a little outdated. His early years were bad, no doubt. But some of the guys he was clashing with were jerks too, just in a different way.
Year after year I see Puig sign for kids in Spring Training and year after year the behavior gets better. We all grow up at different times.
First day of ST last year with the Reds, he took Trammel and another promising outfielder out to shag fly balls and share what he knows about defense. It was a great article to read…and was a damn good teammate in Cincy!
yeah, can’t ever say I feel bad for a multi millionaire, but I think he really made an honest effort to reinvent himself while he was a Red. His charity work while he was here was tireless and truly touching. I know he catches a lot of guff, and maybe rightfully so, but I hope he keeps his head up and continues to be a positive man regardless of how the baseball universe regards his character. I’ll always be a fan
I get so tired of hearing about Tampa and their money woes. Maybe a GoFundMe would stop this incessant whining.
Nobody is whining lol. They won’t the 3rd most games in the last decade, have the best farm system and coming off a 96 win season
the team that gave evan longoria 100 million dollars has “money woes” lmao
Amen
Tampa does more with less than any other mlb team. How many teams with deep pockets didn’t make the post season? (Red Sox) It’s not about the money, it’s how it’s used. They have (or had) the best executives making those decisions. Why did the Dodgers take Andrew Friedman? Why did the Red Sox take Chime Bloom? It’s because they did more with less & were damn good at it. Now these two are up against each other, after working side by side, trying to make the Mookie Betts deal happen. Pretty ironic.
I had the highest hopes Puig would be the RF for the Chicago White Sox. I still think it can happen.
In fact, I’m offering my services to the team, to be responsible and guarantee Puig is a 30/30 contributor with ZERO issues. I’ll take the job. Rick Hahn, call me.
Agree. Despite the reverse splits, he can provide solid D on 1yr deal when sitting Mazara vs LHPs. Also insurance for Eloy, who gets nagging injuries.
Puig hits righties better, which is odd.
Puig’s a perfect fit on a short contract. I’m guessing Hahn didn’t want to deal with any prima-dona baggage. Still, you gotta love Puig’s fire if you’re a Sox fan.
They deserve him.
Haha Rallyshirt, that sounds like it would be a Get Him to the Greek type task.
I thought that Puig would be the perfect choice for a 4th OF for them. It is a team with a long standing Cuban subculture, and he’d have a mentor in Jose Abreu. They would be the one team who wouldn’t just sign him to flip him.
So either Rick Hahn is just waiting until ST starts to get him in on a NRI, or Abreu and the other Cuban players think he’s not worth the potential circus.
Bottom line, White Sox take over the city now with Puig or later maybe, without him.
Mattingly is in Miami if he needs a Hug?
I have a different take on this. My opinion is that Puig has a conditioning problem, and teams see that. Although he’s still a good fielder, he used to be lighter and way more agile. He looks like he wants to be the Hulk, and I think his increased size is affecting his game, in comparison to earlier in his career.
Seriously?
Yes. That, and his attitude.
@chisoxcity
Yes, seriously. He’s a muscle-bound singles hitter. In 220 plate appearance for the Tribe last year batting clean-up he hit 2 homers. TWO!
His agility, flexibility, and athleticism are justifiably open to question. He still plays hard and cares for his teammates…but there are worthwhile questions about his performance going forward.
Avory, you’re dealing with a small sample size. Last year, he had just 207 PAs and 182 ABs with Cleveland. For the season he was still league average for OPS+, and his career OPS+ is 122.
You can’t take much from a TWO MONTH sample.
You couldn’t be more wrong…
Pirates would make a lot of sense. They need another mlb caliber OF unless they plan on starting Heredia or moving Adam Frazier to the OF.
It may be a new coaching staff but I doubt there’s any love from guys in the Pirate clubhouse after Puig was willing to take on their 25-man roster by himself.
Eh I tend to think those things blow over quicker than we think. I bet he would be welcome.
Maybe the 209 PAs in Cleveland and only 2 dingers have teams wondering where his power went…
A two month sample size tells us nothing.
Yes, it does. It tells us 2 months worth.
Brilliant
Sorry but 209 plate appearances is plenty for Cleveland to realize they should move on and I’m sure others took notice.
207 PAs (two months) are next to meaningless over a 3376 PA career for a 28 year old player. For all we know he was dealing with a minor injury that sapped his power. Someone will get a bargain with Puig, I’d put money on it.
Os should sign him. At least get a few butts in the seats.
I really hope he signs somewhere. He’s on my STRAT team!
For me, the only teams that make sense are ones that aren’t truly contending (yet) and could use another bat that could them be flipped, or a team that is about to come out of a rebuild and could use another piece to take pressure off young guys. White Sox make sense. I think Toronto makes some sense. People have said Pirates, and I agree with that too.
Miami.
Puig has become Colin Kapernick
I wish the Reds would take a dive and sign the guy back. He was a fan favorite, he gave 110% on every play and it sucks that the guy has endured this…maybe, just maybe…he’s gained a smidge of humility…
He did play hard, unfortunately David Bell continually put him in the cleanup spot to the detriment of the whole team.
Maybe Puig needs to swim back to Cuba to see if any of their teams want him.
Mariners for 2 years but trade him at the deadline? That would help with forcing Kelenic up too early.
Backend some of the deal for 2021 and put incentives. Option for 2022 if he actually works out ok.
Could be a replacement for Mitch Haniger.
Oakland then trade in July
His antics don’t fit what SF is trying to do. They signed Pence because he’ll be a great mentor for the young guys and teach them how to play the right way. The Giants are a couple years away and they need role models and guys who play hard and smart. Puig isn’t that guy. He’s very talented and someone will sign him but I’d be really surprised if it’s the Git.
I enjoyed seeing Puig play for my Reds last year. He really embraced Cincinnati and did a lot of charity work and brought a lot of emotion to the team and was definitely a fan favorite in his short tenure here. I’m sure he will be picked up at some point and I can assure you when he comes back to GABP he will get a standing ovation.
Puig’s shenanigans have caught up to him it seems. He needs a minor league deal to humble him a little, but I don’t think his ego will allow it.
There’s no way he’s only getting a minor league deal. He’ll be getting a few million for sure.
Capra – history shows that the longer a free agent is on the market, the worse their deal is once they’re finally signed. That will be true for Puig. Plus he has his clubhouse stuff that teams are tired of. He needs to be humbled, whether it’s with a minor league offer or a low ball MLB offer. He can choose to not take them and wait for something better.
Lets set the record straight. When the reds traded Puig to Cleveland they got Bauer. This also afforded them a look at Aquino and what did he do? I like Puig and hope he lands somewhere. He is good for the game.
Mets should sign him. Put him in center field next to Cespedes so they can both get chased by a pig, fall in a hole, and collect a paycheck.
I always said he was Manny Ramirez without the production. He’s just not worth the headache. Even for a cheap 1 year contract. You aren’t going to get much for him at the deadline anyways.
You bring up a good point I never thought about. Do teams really want to disturb clubhouse culture midseason?
Black balled.
You can blackball me for $51M seven days a week and twice on Sunday.
Puig was so well behaved last season that he was only suspended by the league twice last year, and only got publicly chewed out by team mates once for not hustling.
That, and the fact that he has not exactly lit up MLB since 2014 makes him a problematic signing.
That must’ve happened in Cleveland because I never saw him dogging it without the Reds. As matter of fact I was there when he hurt shoulder climbing the RF wall going after a ball.
Something will happen with him once the Dodgers/Twins/Sox/Angels deal finalizes.
Sadly, Puig is like a NWA. All the skills but Jerry is in his head
Puig should go back to Cuba and play baseball. He is a horrible teammate and I love that MLB has little to no interest in him.
Nothing could be further from the truth, big west. Puig has been a great teammate, and hustles his butt off. He’s an above average hitter with a cannon for an arm.
Or, Option C is that neither of you were in the clubhouse and all you’re offering is pure conjecture on a topic you have zero firsthand knowledge about.
Granted, him being a great teammate is circumstantial based on a fan’s perspective. Him being an above average hitter with a cannon for an arm is not. The man hustles in the field and on the base paths. Whatever happened in LA is ancient history, and seemed to be fanned by a sportswriter with an axe to grind. There are scores of players that seem more suspect in the “good teammate “ dept, but you’re right, it’s one fan’s perspective. They should have a policy on this site that opinions will not be allowed.
If the Cubs can move the contract currently in RF, Puig is likely the best “top” FA the Cubs can afford.
If the Cubs eat half of Heyward’s contract and sign Puig, they might be able to hang on to KB despite their low bank account.
I don’t know why the Sox don’t sign him need a platoon for Maraza
Eloy got hurt twice last year
And Robert has been hurt
If he shows bad attitude whatever cya but playing with. 5/6 other Cubans esp some veteran ones maybe he breaks out
Puig would likely become dissatisfied with his part time role as platoon player and ruin Sox chemistry in the clubhouse!
Even the team with more Cuban players, probably the best reputation Cuban player (Jose) doesn’t want to play with Puig. I am starting to feel pity.
DET should pursue either Puig or Pillar. They already signed Cron, Schoop, and Romine. Why not get one of the two on a discount?
Puig, yes. Would you also include Lagares on a minor-league deal here?
Pillar to me is no longer enough of a difference maker to be preferable to Puig or to a much lesser extent, Lagares.
Absolutely
Pillar outperformed Puig in 2019, considering all aspects of the game. And he’s not going to cost any more than Puig. Probably less.
the music has stopped and Puig is the one left without a chair, that’s just the fact of the matter. happens to at least one quality OF every year – there always tends to be others to fill the void they left.
How many teams are there? How many of those teams right now have 2-3 better options for LF and RF and DH? You haven’t really thought this through very well.
most teams simply dont, and most of the teams that could use him are rebuilding and dont need him blocking prospects.
That’s a pretty simple way of distilling a complex issue though. At some point, the talent to trouble and cost to need ratios just doesn’t compute for many teams. Many of the teams that “could use him” are either rebuilding or dont want to fill the need at his cost.
i also dont quite like the “bad teammate” narrative about Puig. while he may be a bit too interested in escalating a fight, he doesnt seem to be too bothersome overall. its not exactly like removing him from LAD appeared to be addition by subtraction.
Whether you like it or not, it’s bright as day that teams don’t want him because he’s a bad character. Clubhouse culture is very valuable to building a team, more than fans appreciate. There is no other explanation when you add up his talent and prime years.
Puig doomed himself last year in spring training with the reds , when he was interviewed after a game he said these exact words , “ this is a contract year , I have to work hard this year for another contract” that tells me and a lot of people more important than me where his mind is … I like Puig and enjoyed watching him in Cincy ( especially the night he got traded lol) but he clearly needs to be on 1 year prove it deals forever …
he didnt exactly look like a guy who only plays in contract years in thr first few months of the year.
No doubt … I think if Phillip Ervin had the same at bats the production would have been as good if not better. If someone wants to get a strong OFer Ervin is a sleeper, just hasn’t had opportunity… I think 500 ABs would get you , 24/80/ .260 with 15 + SB …
And didn’t exactly look like a guy happy to be stuck in the middle of a pennant race at the end of the year. Tito said he’d get his best based on the situation and if that was his best it’s no wonder they didn’t bring him back and he’s still out there.
Thanks for bringing that up. I recall hearing Dan Patrick and company joke about that line and how his agent might have reacted.
Not the only reason, though in my mind maybe more of a factor than “good teammate” concerns.
It’s not the only time he’s said dumb things like that. He has a reputation that is reinforced when he says those things.
Puig’s lack of viable options is the consequence of his behavior, personality, character, and reputation. Only blind people fail to see that fact because he obviously has the numbers and talent. However, his talent isn’t so elite that teams would risk disturbing their clubhouse culture. He might be worth a very low bargain on a one year deal, to flip for prospects if he performs well. After all, he’s in his prime.
Reading through this forum is interesting. About 1/4 of the fans still want to pretend that Puig cleaned up his act. He’s a totally different guy…yeah right! He may have, but you don’t know how much and You wouldn’t know how much that difference matters at this point. Fans don’t understand what players think of Puig. Players have a fraternity and they talk among themselves and they don’t reveal that to the media until years later. Even the media people who know exactly what they are saying, those media people want to keep their access to player, so they won’t reveal exact quotes. Clubhouse culture is way more important than fans can appreciate. Everyone (front office, coaches, teammates, clubhouse staff, other staff) but you (the fan) cares about it. There are some bad dudes that can still help you win, but Puig is on a separate level, where the contract would need to include psychological evaluations.
Psych Evaluation? He got a speeding ticket.
Look around, there’s much, much worse out there you’re not focusing on for some reason. Perhaps you need the psych evaluation?
Why doesn’t DET try and improve the outfield? Trade for an OF, sign Puig/Pillar, do something! WTH was the point of signing Cron, Schoop, and Romine? Because you don’t want a top 3 pick??
Tigers, Marlins, Mariners, etc, etc — the point is that about 1/3 of the league could use his talent.
Arte Moreno should maybe shine the Joc deal and sign Puig. Upton Trout and Puig me likey
What does Joc have to do with Puig? How do you know whether Joc likes Puig? I bet Joc and Puig got into a few altercations and Joc wants nothing to do with him.
Agreed. Sign Puig for 6 million and still work out a deal for pitching with the Dodgers
Puig actually hits RHP better (even though he hits right). Angels are already heading towards Lefty batting heavy.
I think the cardinals could use him since they have a opening in left field!!!!!
They boast about their clubhouse culture. They would be my last choice. I would think differently if Puig made any effort to build a relationship with Yadi or other veterans on the team. Goldy is probably the best clubhouse guy and easiest friend in the game. Fans don’t appreciate the common sense fact that players are people. Puig has been in the game for a long time now. Who are Puig’s friends? Why don’t they want to play with him? Why don’t they vouch for him with others they know? You always hear about players talking to other players they mutually know when one gets signed or traded. Who are Puig’s secondary connections? He doesn’t have them. All he has is people saying bad things about their experiences. It has nothing to do with his language and culture barrier because the game is filled with mature Latin players.
This guy has a better postseason career stats than cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts. He also has a cannon of an arm.
I could see the Red Sox signing him since they will have the payroll space
Imo a team like the cardinals don’t see value (although I don’t agree) in signing someone like Puig because they think they can get similar production out of a combo of Thomas, ONeill and eventually Carlson for millions less. Teams like the Tigers, Mariners and Orioles aren’t going anywhere and Puig isn’t going to put butts in seats or improve the club that much. So why waste salary that he’s demanding
He’ll likely have to hold out until later in the spring and wait for an injury or lower his demands for salary to get something done.
Darkhorse team I’d say is San Diego. They just traded Margot, were rumored to be in on Betts and honestly look at that OF. Pham had a injury history in the minors and has that eye issue. Myers is an injury waiting to happen playing in the OF and Naylor and Grisham are anything but proven.
Does Puig know Japanese
Puig in Japan would be a great reality show – off the ballfield.
Detroit tiger bound for sure !!!!
Puig licking bats is more entertaining then anything else we have on the field
Cardinals need to sign him. Should get good production for a relatively good price at this point. I think Yadi can help keep him in line, if not, cut him.
Terry Francona thought Puig was a pleasure in the clubhouse and liked him. Cincinnati fans admired Puig and he was an exciting addition to the team. Anything about the time in Los Angeles should be a moot point by now. Most LAD fans hated Puig being traded. Puig is now in the wilderness, playing for two teams and a different league in 2019.
Bauer’s actions initiated the trade sending Puig to the Indians. Puig’s outburst in Cincinnati prior to this trade announcement was a call out to all his Reds teammates who sat in the dugout while Reds were involved in a gang up on the field.
Puig’s actions are justified. Ask yourself how you would feel if you were involved in an altercation where several of your own brothers sat it out and watched from behind the bar? Passion and emotion aside, he told his non-participating teammates to man up, cold shouldered them and headed to the showers.
Puig 1 year $16MM or a slight discount AAV for a multi.
16 million? Lmaooooooooooo
They are not justified…. “ all his teammates sat in the dugout” that’s a load, I believe Amir Garrett charged the Pirates bench, Sonny Gray, Dietrich , Bell, Suarez, the entire bullpen amongst several others were just as involved as Puig. You may want to watch that over on YouTube…all of it started from the first week in the season when Derrick Dietrich planted 2 in the river in Pitt and show boated..I don’t blame him, ( although not a big DD fan) , if I hit 2 in the river in one game in Pittsburgh I think I’d do the same thing…that’s not easy.
@captainchaos, you can’t play word-cop when there is no crime.
Proper English grammar is demonstrated in the use of “all his teammates” in this case, referring to all those not participating. Not “all” as in everyone on the team.
It’s important to pay attention in school. If there is one life lesson I could share with you or any other young readers out there, this would be it.
If you are not in school, or maybe you just had a hard time while there, it’s okay. English speakers are quite accommodating to those with different figures of speech, or grammatical nuances.
If you happen to be a lawyer, and objected to a similar statement, you would be over-ruled and you might even hear some chuckling in the courthouse.
If the big trade falls apart on all sides, I’d be thrilled with Puig to the Angels on a 1 year deal!
I’m thinking if doesn’t get signed before spring training that he will end up with the Mets once they realize Cespedes can’t contribute.
Maybe the real question is whether or not he has matured into bring a good team mate rather than a distraction.
It seems that his personality borders on Albert Belle more often than Curtis Granderson.
Maybe managers and coaches who have crossed uniforms with him simply advise that his occasional hot streaks aren’t worth the drama?
At 29, there is still time for him to grow – if he chooses to.
Puig was supposed to be on his best behavior in the two months he was with Cleveland and he still pulled quite a few stunts, along with missing cut off men and managing to only hit two home runs.
It’s pretty obvious Francona didn’t want him back,if he did, he would be an Indian right now.
If Puig can’t fit in a club house culture like Cleveland’s with a strong latino leadership presence in Santana,Lindor and Ramirez,plus a players manager like Francona,he must be quite a handful.
Puig is good all around player,but it seems like the juice isn’t worth the squeeze with him.
At least to major league teams so far this off season..
If the Puig of today counseled the rookie Puig on what not to do, would the caballo salvaje listen?
If he could play CF, he would have been inked a while ago. Needs to take a 1 yr deal and expand his range.
I see Puig being an 11th hour (or later) signing into a lowball 1-year deal with a team like SEA, BAL, or BOS. He put himself in this position, and nobody wants to commit more than a year until they see a full year of production AND solid citizenship.
Well since spring training is about a week away your forecast is nothing more than stating the obvious.
His best bet is Detroit, have a great start and get traded to a contender. Incentive laden deal with option. Maybe he can reinvent himself still, talents there, just not using it
I would’ve preferred a trade for Margot. But, I certainly would take Puig over the current circumstances!
I wouldn’t be surprised if he wound up with a minor league deal.
Calling it now. Pillow deal with the Mariners.
Collusion!
Since he wanted to fight the whole team last year, it would be poetic justice if he landed here in Pittsburgh. And missing cut offs? Base running blunders? Swinging at bad pitches? He’d be a natural with Polanco
His talent is above a minor league deal. Might as well go to Japan and make more money if the offers aren’t there in MLB.
He would be a superstar in japan.
Sounds good to me.
forget the MLB, go for WWE or UFC. Puig fights way too much, surely that dismayed a lot of interest from organizations
Puig to Boston? Cheap deal to rebuild value/replace Betts
I am willing to bet he won’t play on a cheap deal and that why he will likely still be available well Into spring training if not the regular season.
Puig needs to be on a team that has a strong Latin influence that will take him under their arm and sway him away from the off the field distractions. STL would be a place and the Mets would be another spot.
Imagine his numbers at Coors Field batting ahead of Arenado.
Now that the Betts to LA trade appears to be done I could still see the Sox going for Puig.
If Nolan didn’t actually want to leave Colorado he would for sure after a year playing with Puig, please don’t bring him to Denver. Hilliard Dahl Blackmon and Desmond to spell is a solid outfield mix.
Rangers should sign him to a 1 year deal, for 6MM and 3MM in incentives with 2 club option years and 1MM buyout.
Giants signing Puig would have been a mistake in every possible way, and the front office doesn’t need anymore bad press or headaches. But signing Billy Hamilton may have been the biggest joke, even if it’s only a minor league contract and an invite to ST. Guy will never hit; can’t even get on base to properly use his speed.
Puig is extremely talented but his attitude has cost him a lot of money and possibly his career in baseball.
Marlins
Ex-Doodgers Zaidi and Kapler must be brain to reject Bumgarner and consider adding Puig. They don’t get it. Will it take another 5 years to replace this management team?
Ex-Doodgers Zaidi and Kapler must be brain to reject Bumgarner and consider adding Puig. They don’t get it. Will it take another 5 years to replace this management team?
If the Giants added Barry Bonds to their lineup he would still be their best hitter at 56 years old!