The beginning of Major League Baseball’s regular season is just over two weeks away, yet high-profile outfielder Yasiel Puig still doesn’t have a job. The onetime All-Star and former Dodger, Red and Indian is the lone straggler from MLBTR’s offseason-opening ranking of the sport’s top 50 free agents. At that point, we forecast a one-year, $8MM contract for Puig, who reportedly turned down a $10MM guarantee from an unknown team sometime over the winter. Otherwise, reported interest in the polarizing Puig has been scarce.
Unfortunately for Puig, he didn’t reach free free agency at the ideal juncture. For one, there were similarly valuable or better corner outfielders available (Nick Castellanos, Marcell Ozuna, Corey Dickerson and Kole Calhoun come to mind). And though Puig was a star at times earlier in his career in Los Angeles, he combined for a mediocre 3.0 fWAR from 2018-19. Last season was especially middling for Puig, who slashed .267/.327/.458 in 611 plate appearances. While Puig did hit 24 home runs and steal 19 bases, his overall offensive output amounted to a 101 wRC+, which basically means he was a league-average performer with the bat.
As unspectacular as his numbers may have been last year, there’s certainly still an argument that Puig would be worth the trouble for someone. Earlier this week, Dan Szymborski of FanGraphs made a compelling case for the Rangers to sign him on the heels of the fractured jaw fellow outfielder Willie Calhoun suffered Sunday. They’re one potential fit. But there are more teams that may be able to benefit from Puig’s presence.
Several rebuilding or non-contending clubs (the Giants, Rockies, Marlins, Orioles, Tigers and Mariners make for a half-dozen examples) are set to bring uninspiring-looking outfields to the table. Puig wouldn’t turn any of them into winners, but a few decent months could allow one of those teams to get something back for him at the July trade deadline. Even prospective contenders like the Yankees and Athletics may have needs in the grass at the moment, depending on how certain injury situations shake out. Meanwhile, the Indians – with whom Puig finished 2019 – don’t exactly boast a veritable Murderers’ Row out there.
Ultimately, it may take a serious injury in either the spring or near the start of the regular season for Puig to land somewhere in the next few weeks. But it’s odd that he remains available now – especially considering he doesn’t have a qualifying offer hanging over his head, as the likes of Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel did a year ago.
Puig has now been on the market for four-plus months. How much longer do you expect him to stay there?
(Poll link for app users)
Correct answer: when he lowers his ridiculous asking price.
Teams have tired of his ridiculous antics. Have fun signing in Asia!
He should join the Houston Astros where they have a legitimate need for an obnoxious distraction to take attention away from other things
Puig would be a perfect fit for the Yankees.
Beisbolista is so smart and funny
I think — especially with the Red Sox weaker and neither the Rays or Jays sure things — Cashman would rather give Frazier and Andujar the chance at regular jobs for the first 20-30 games before Stanton (and maybe Judge) return,
Imagine thinking the Rays aren’t a sure thing
The Rays have never won anything so…
Please be more specific as to which Ray you’re discussing (ie. Romano, Finkle, Charles, etc.)… Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Tony Gwynn
The One Hell of a Model American Ray
yes he is. the laces were in…
I’ll say it a million more times. Why does anyone care the Yankees have won 27 championships over how many years? Nobody cares about the past, what the 1960 Yankees did doesn’t mean the 2020 Yankees are a “sure thing” what the Rays haven’t won since 1998 doesn’t mean they aren’t a “sure thing” truly don’t get what the past has to do with anything
The 1960 Yankees? Bill Mazeroski waves hello.
Those that don’t learn from the past will repeat it.
Baseball is as much about the past as the present and future. Statistics, records and awards, etc., are pretty much all history. The Yankees’ WS total is as important as the Cardinals’ and Red Sox’s (and Tampa Bay’s 0, for example).
I agree, championships from 10-100 years ago don’t bring us joy like winning one in 2020.
It does increase the likelihood of winning one again.
The Yankees should have won that series too.
How many World Series championships have the Yankees won in the last 10 years? Don’t make up cheating excuses all the teams cheat in one way or the other.
If the Astros form of cheating was no different, most of the league would not be irate about it. It says a lot when guys like Trout, who never speak up about anything controversial, express anger about it.
They weren’t going to speak positively.
You may have typing in hyperbole(on the internet, really?!), or your concept of a million is pre-adolescent.
Exactly.
in hindsight he may have made a good choice not to do that
Do we know what his asking price is? We know he turned down a $10MM guaranteed contract, but that could have been for more reasons than the dollar amount.
Not just his high asking price. Maybe teams are tired of watching Puig’s lack of hustle in the field and on the bases.
Whenever he is ready for AAA
When someone, anyone offers him a major league contract.
The $10m guaranteed he rejected sounds major league to me.
Could have been a two year offer possibly.
True, and other teams could’ve offered that we’re unaware of.
I personally believe that he will be signed by the end of the month. There are just too many teams that need outfield help, like the A’s, Rangers, Blue Jays. ect. Now when I say this I am not being a homer, but I do think that the Rangers are going to sign Puig. We don’t have a lot of outfield depth to begin with, and now with Calhoun out till probably May, we could go get Puig, and finally get Solak out of the outfield ( because let’s be honest, he’s not an outfielder).
Rangers update: I read a lot of Rangers articles outside of MLBTR, and today I saw that Chris Woodward (rangers manager), is going to be utilizing Todd Frazier at 1b over the next few weeks. The reason being is that both Guzman and Bird are having terrible spring trainings, and Frazier will be the first basemen if they both don’t start. You may be wondering who will play third base then, and it’s not Nick Solak. It’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and get used to hearing that name. IKF is a 3rd baseman with terrific defense whom the Rangers tried at catcher last season, and it failed miserably. Trying to play catcher also brought his offense down too, and he had a terrible season last year. Well, he has worked with Michael Young over the off-season, and he changed his stance, mechanics, and overall swing to be able to drive the ball way better. Let’s say this, in his pro career, the most homers he ever had in one season was 4 back in 2018, this spring he has 4 already. Now you could say that this is just spring training, and don’t trust it, but his swing just looks so smooth and powerful now, I have high hopes, and this is great news for us Rangers fans. So just remember the name Isiah Kiner-Falefa because I bet you will be hearing it again.
Lol @ the end of the month. Way to go out on a limb that’s 3 weeks hahahahahahaaa
There were three options and basically by the end of this month was the shortest option. “Going out on a limb” could only really apply to May or later. From your response it seems that you think three weeks is a long time when in fact for the poll it is the shortest.
@coldbeer
I didn’t have a problem with Rangers29’s prediction being at the end of the month. A silly comment would’ve been if he said something like “Correct answer: when he lowers his ridiculous asking price.” That’s seriously going out on a limb there LOL.
Unless the Blue Jays are willing to cut ties with Alford and Fisher as of this morning they will not be in on Puig. Should they cut ties with those two? Yes, because they are awful defensively with questionable bats. But a Puig signing, by any team, should be for less than $10-mil with incentives reaching over $10-mil with an option set at a number depending on benchmarks he hits in 2020.
Agree on Alford and Fisher. Jays need a legit CF.
Jonathan Davis is a legit CF but can’t hit. But, if he’s called in to play CF the last inning or two when ahead just to move Grichuk to RF I would take that (at this point in-time).
Carry 4 OF, keep Tellez and rotate Shaw, Drury and sometimes Biggio in the OF if/when needed. McKinney can get regular at bats in Buffalo with Forrest Wall.
Yeah no standouts that can hit and field the position. Grichuk is fine in RF defensively, not sold on him in CF. Hopefully Teoscar is rarely seen with a glove on.
Spot-on assessment Bruce. You’ve watched enough Blue Jays to know whats up.
Actually always been a fan of IKF, but doubt if he has the type of power you want from a corner IF…but we don’t know how the new park will play…..
Smoltz said last night the Rangers could be the surprise team in MLB… I tend to agree, but defense could be a definite issue…..
Bird is the word I’ve been told.
I want him for an Athletic!
As a Dodgers fan, I loved 2013 Puig, but homeboy is a mediocre malcontent. He deserves his spot in limbo.
Yep! Major pain in the neck and a major distraction for any team. I was as happy the Dodgers traded Puig as I was to welcome Mookie Betts.
He will sign late or on a team that has a key player go down with a long term injury. Ex. When Detroit signed Fielder after Victor Martinez tore his ACL.
Came here to say this. Keep an eye on the Nationals with Eaton and his constant nagging injuries.
Someone will sign him mid June then hope like hell he has a great month and get rid of him for prospect. Since its June they’d probably only have to give up 2 or 3 million.
Right. Either way he’ll be on a contender in October.
Like the great production Cleveland was going to get last year in the pennant race? LOL!
Someone will get injured early he’ll get an offer and bite.
Clubs have figured out he is a cancer not worth it
False narrative.
Why, a false narrative?
bad narrative
fallacious narrative
He’s not remotely close to cancer. For anyone to say that has either never experienced the effects of cancer OR is psychotic, nihilist, or can’t think for themselves!! Have you personally met him? He could save your loved one’s life.. don’t set a false narrative!
Cancer is bad. I’ve lost immediate family members to it; however, I don’t let words rule my emotional state. I suppose crazylarry could have written “malignant tumor” or “a disease which spreads throughout the body” or something equally lengthy and unnecessary. Almost everybody understands that Puig isn’t actually “cancer” or “Hitler” or “Stalin” or whatever other word makes people curl into the fetal position and start rocking themselves.
If only lions and wolves and the like could speak… they’d be able to take down far too many Americans merely by uttering a word.
What good comes out of speaking ill? No, I have better things to do than this. Have a great life fellow MLBTR followers, I hope you find the joy you’re looking for. GO TIGERS! Signing off..
He might be a perfectly ok guy, just difficult to be around in the clubhouse and on the field. I work with people all the time that I don’t really care for personally but who still aren’t necessarily bad human beings.
Calling Puig a “cancer” is a little dramatic. Hematoma might be a better word. 🙂
Puig is a veteran that still acts foolish. Any contending team is worried he’ll ruin the clubhouse culture, where non contenders won’t pay what he wants
Correct me if I’m wrong, but he didn’t really have any problems last year did he? Other than subpar numbers, I didn’t see any antics.
Not running to first base on many ground balls… Bad example, bad chemistry…
Santana was all over him in Cleveland for that crap.
Players don’t like him and he thinks he’s better than he is. He’ll sign a deal late and disgruntled and be terrible.
Agree on teams themselves not liking him. Who wants an employee always mouthing off and complaining all the time? That’s the one targeted for getting rid of with petty offenses until either they quit, or eventually get fired. Why give this chronic complainer a guaranteed MLB deal in the 1st place?
Puig was a model citizen and teammate in Cincy. Didn’t hear about any problems in Cleveland either. Chronic complainer, ah no.
“didn’t hear about any problems…” is a key phrase. Those Clubs also did not welcome him back.
He will rub some players wrong with his personality. He’s over the top sometimes. I’ve never really heard him complain much.
He can create tension and animosity with the opposing team. His own teammates too. A lot of teams don’t want that vibe coming from their dugout, especially from a player who gives you mixed production.
I think he will sign during spring training for a contender.
which players don’t like him? that is a false and tired narrative that never has had any depth to it.
Pin – not a false narrative. He’s been a problem since he’s been in the majors. Players won’t talk publicly about what happens in the clubhouse. Heres some reading for you:
latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-padres-20…
“He’s made tremendous strides,” Roberts said. “He’s been great. He’s had a fantastic year. But I hold everyone, and we hold everyone, to the same standard. And that’s the way it should be. It’s pretty simple.”..
Too bad the Cardinals have $33M locked in RF. Puig could have come in and taken over for the former clown show, Jose Martinez.
Puig won’t sniff that 10 million dollar offer he had. Who negotiated for him? He’s league average, which I think equates to 4-5 million. Good luck, bro!
Jason Puig seems to be very nice, but also kind, per reports. That being said (and proven), it’s safe to assume he’ll garner a 3-4 year deal at roughly $18 million annually. The winner of the “Puig Sweepstakes” will come down to the Dodgers, Yankees, Astros, Twins, or Rays. I personally think he will split time between the Phillies and the Pirates since they’re relatively close to one another… Long story short, there was never a winner of the 2017 World Series. The Astros and all their fans stink!
-Curt Wallet
Seattle should sign him for a one year pact since they have the money play him in right since haniger is hurt and hope to flip him at the deadline
Flip him to who?
Some team in the postseason hunt with 1) a need for a RF and 2) no other better options. Duh. I’m not saying that team will definitely exist but that is the scenario he could be flipped in.
I couldn’t tell you Miami’s outfield right now, but I’ve always felt he makes sense for them
Corey Dickerson in LF, Jonathan Villar in CF (as of now), and an open fight for RF.
Makes more sense that they give a in house guy a shot though, but if no one wins it….
Not with Mattingly in Miami. He dealt with this idiot in the past.
Yea fair enough. I think his personality would bring excitement but I understand your point
People scoff at the character metric for the Hall of Fame and yet 30 teams are saying no thank you to a player because of his character. Maturity matters.
If Puig played at a Hall of Fame level he’d be on a team right now, no question.
Fair statement, but that’s not my point.
No kidding.
HOF caliber players can get away with things that ordinary players can’t. Not necessarily fair, but that’s how it is.
I think you’re blowing things out of proportion. The reality is Puig is on the decline and there are a plethora of OFs out there. I think Puig will sign soon, but I think the issue has more to do with money than character metrics.
At least 29 out of 30 MLB clubs exercised their Puig opt-out.
There’s an open job for Yasiel at Yoenis’ Wild Boar Ranch.
Judge is probably out for a long time. Yanks should take a chance and get him now. He’s better defender than Frazier. And with Stanton made of glass we need to reinforce the lineup. Tauchman could be a flash in the pan like Gio
I honestly see the yanks with Puig and lindor by September
Doubt Lindor because I don’t think they have enough in the farm to get him. Their farm is deep, but lacks the elite-level talent that is usually required when dealing fir a superstar. Agree that Puig may fit, though.
@fg-3
when did Gio become a flash in the pan?
let him rot
The Mets should sign him yesterday. They’re without Conforto for an unknown amount of time, and who knows what will become of Cespedes. Marisnick is not an everyday player, and Davis and Smith are infielders trying to fake LF. They have no one knocking on the door I’m the upper minors. They need Puig, and he’s there for the taking.
If there is one thing the Mets don’t need it’s another corner OF.
Puig joins independent league even there he will last two weeks then gone with the wind.
The guy can still play, and he may also be a bit of a lottery ticket. At worse, he’s a bit above league average. For the right team, maybe even one on just the fringes of competitiveness, he could be useful, and then flipped for talent midseason. It’s easy to hate on Puig, but there’s some value there.
If no one wants him now when he wont cost prospects, why would they give up prospects for him. later?
I would hope you could answer your own question, but just in case: a team might offer prospects later because they are in the postseason hunt and, due to injury, lack 1) a RF and 2) decent alternative options.
It’s safe to say at this point that Puig and Aaron Judge are essentially the same player, with a slight edge going to Puig due to his potential to steal 60-70 bases per season.
-ESPN Deportes
Puig isn’t worth the trouble. He’s mediocre on the field and a negative influence in the clubhouse. I predict a non-contender offering 1/5. The problem is his ego won’t let him take it.
what trouble? he is an above average player on the field and is a positive presence in the clubhouse and in the community, as shown in cincy last year.
Pin – respectfully, you’re wrong. He’s an average player that had moments of above average performance. His arrogance is over the top and I think he’s suffering the consequences of his behavior. Here’s an example from his Dodgers days:
latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-padres-20…
“He’s made tremendous strides,” Roberts said. “He’s been great. He’s had a fantastic year. But I hold everyone, and we hold everyone, to the same standard. And that’s the way it should be. It’s pretty simple.” According to this article he’s great. This article was written in 2017.. A team offered $10M for his service for 2020. He’s not suffering any consequences.
Also sounded like he was fine in Cleveland. Saw an article or two stating that.
That quote you extracted was Roberts being diplomatic about his playing that year to the media, which was at a high level. His attitude stunk and he goes on to say that, again diplomatically.
He is suffering consequences. He should have been signed by now if he was a valuable player. That is evidence of the consequences.
When the Angels win the pennant
Where is the not at all option? Ok, neither a, b, or c.
I’m not sure why these articles keep mentioning the Marlins. Do these baseball writers not know about the highly publicized issue that Don Mattingly has with Puig? Also, the Marlins already have too many OF options that they are looking at this spring. Cory Dickerson is going to start because of the contract. Then, there are two OF spots left, with one very likely going to Johnathan Villar and the other one being battled for between Garrett Cooper, Harold Ramirez (after a strong rookie season), Lewis Brinson (perhaps his last shot with the Marlins), Magneuris Sierra (out of options), Monte Harrison (who will be up at some point this season if not Opening Day), Jesus Sanchez (who will be up at some point this season), Matt Kemp (who is a team guy, but may not even make the roster). And Matt Joyce will be a bench/platoon option.
So why keep mentioning Puig for the Marlins? Nothing happening with the Marlins indicates Puig happening.
If Puig doesn’t sign before the start of the season, what happens with the free agent contest?
Should have an option for japan
This guy was on the cover of a video game 5 years ago. Now he can’t find a job.
Someone offered him $10m. And that’s only one that we’re aware of. The man has made over $50m, maybe he’s just being selective.
He either wants more than he’s worth, or more than one year. His agent is either not very good, or can’t talk sense into him, most likely the latter.
A replacement-level player who turned down $10MM/year? And what are the Tigers gonna’ do, pay $10MM+ for a placeholder when you could do that for 1/2 the money?
He won’t make them much better, and will only prevent them from weeding out their future potential outfielders.
“Prospective contenders” to describe the Yankees. I am a Red Sox fan typing this, and that’s the wrong description. C’mon Connor.
Beggars can’t be choosers. Clubs move on if 1yr offers are rejected. Low $ with rebuilding club to be a regular or accept platoon role on a better team.
The guy left Cuba for baseball. Or money.
clubhouse poison.
Angel’s?:)
Can’t help but think the “arrogant, clubhouse cancer” type descriptions could just as easily apply to Reggie Jackson, Albert Belle, Ty Cobb. Many others. Yes, Puig isn’t an elite player. But a few teams could use 25hr/18sb 270/330/480 type offense with a cannon arm. Maybe the guy needs Ritalin. Or maybe some teams need to put on their big boy pants. He has big league skills and 3 years of a pretty consistent production history. By most accounts he was great in the clubhouse and community last year. Team veterans would keep him in line.
without a waiver, Ritalin is an 80 game suspension.
Like Colin Kaepernick’s market, Puig’s market is defined by his most recent performances. It’s not attitude, it’s a lack of production.
Over the past 5 years, Puig has only managed 8.4 fWAR. That’s not great. He’s in that 1.7ish WAR per season range and teams pay about $6MM per expected WAR in free agency.
Brian Dozier was a far more impressive free agent after a down year in 2018 and he managed only 1 year and $9MM with the Nationals. He had a year of production similar to Puig last year and Dozier settled on a minor league contract.
MLB teams no longer “count” on bounce back seasons or look at the ceiling on under-performing players with a couple years of MLB experience. Too many players fall off cliffs when it comes to performance and too many teams have been burned. At this point, Puig’s value has tanked further and I expect he’ll have to sign a very inexpensive 1 year or minor league deal as he won’t be ready for opening day.
Puig’s a bench guy for a contender or platoon guy for a non-contender. If he gets a 1/$4M offer, he should take it. He could wind up with an milb deal.
That’s Travis Shaw money. Puig is better than Shaw.
Uh, he has had reverse splits which is why LA was willing to trade him.
NEVER!
Yanks need a RF.
I hear the Phillies need a new mascot – the Puignatic would be perfect.
Very lazy write-up. The fact is Puig had a 845 OPS and 115wRC+ after May 1 and was one of the NL’s best hitters against RHP for the previous two years. He was a perfectly good guy in the clubhouse. He’s still an exciting player and most teams should be able to find room for him on their roster but GM’s are put off by his difficult past with Donnie Ballgame and their own racism.
Because of the suspension of the season, I don’t see Puig signing in the next month or even two. But that shouldn’t stop him from getting a RF job when MLB finally gets started. Puig is one of a handful of power hitters with foot speed and the most powerful throwing arm around. So many teams could use his demonstrated skills and his passion and fearlessness. Sure, he’s been maturing slowly, sometimes frustratingly so, but a contender will need him, a proven playoff hitter.