Outfielder Yasiel Puig hasn’t been able to find work in the majors, but it does appear he’ll play professional baseball in 2021. Puig will sign with Veracruz of the Mexican League, Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports.
Now 30 years old, Puig starred with the Dodgers at times from 2013-18. However, there were some off-field issues along the way, including two reckless driving arrests. The Dodgers moved on from Puig in a trade with the Reds heading into 2019, during which he went on to slash .267/.327/.458 with 29 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 611 plate appearances between Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Statistically, Puig did enough with the Ohio teams to earn another contract going into last season, but he sat on the open market into the summer. While the Braves appeared to have a deal with Puig in the middle of July, that fell through when he tested positive for COVID-19. Puig didn’t end up playing in MLB last season as a result, nor did he garner major interest as a free agent this past offseason – likely because of serious off-field allegations.
Last October, a woman filed a civil lawsuit against Puig, who she claims sexually assaulted her at a Los Angeles Lakers game in 2018. Puig and his legal team categorically denied those allegations last week, when the 30-year-old called them “totally false.” He also expressed a desire to return to MLB, but he’ll have to play at a lower level for at least the time being.
Alacranes de Durango came in 2nd for signing him!
When Puig came up in 2013, finished 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting and made the All-Star game in 2014, I never would have guessed he would have went an entire season without a contract and then would have to settle for a deal with the Mexican League with little to no interest from other MLB teams. Yeah I know he had that domestic violence case, but aside from that, almost no other news has been surrounding Puig.
well im sure there will be interest if the case resolves in a matter that reflects less ill on him. but now…
Baltimore expressed an interest in Puig as recently as January. He’d rather play in the Mexican League? Does that say something about him or the Orioles?
They were never interested. Puig’s agent leaked that to drive up interest.
He could’ve lied about a better team then.
Yea and what proof do you have of that @jakefromstatefromm? The Orioles made him a contract offer before the short season would it rally be that surprising if there was interest again this year?
It shouldn’t be surprising, he’s been kinda out-of-control since his rookie year when he got busted doing 110MPH in Alligator Alley. When you lack discipline and maturity, most teams will view you as a detriment. I saw this coming a mile away.
He tried to turn things around while with the Reds. But everyone saw through him and realize he’s still that immature kid. His ego was way to big and allowed that to ruin his career. Heck, he may have been extended by the Dodgers if his off field issues never happened. Puig was definitely a star before everything came crashing down.
He was never a star. His rookie season in 2013 remains his best (.319/.391/.925 OPS). His sophomore season in 2014 remains his 2nd best (.296/.386/.863 OPS). Pitchers figured him out and he failed to adjust. He was on an almost straight-line decline every year until “juiced balls” were introduced in 2017 and offense exploded across baseball.
The Dodgers were never gonna extend him. They poisoned that well by sending him down to the minor league in summer 2016 and traded for Josh Reddick, who performed even worse.
Does your history on Puig really end when the Dodgers traded for Reddick? Seriously?
Then by the way Puig drives, you would have had only 33s to react.
He can only blame himself.
WTH? It’s amazing he couldn’t get a deal in the majors. Wow!
League-average hitting, below average fielding, corner outfielder over the age of 30. That’s why he isn’t getting signed.
Half the league is below average.
Technically he is playing in the MLB (Mexican League Baseball)
Why is this talented young man not on a major league team? Respectful dialogue only, please.
i think you know why…
Teams talk.
Respectfully, it’s probably because of the whole raping someone thing.
#MeToo is still a thing, so we have to wait until that blows over one way or another.
If he mashes down in Mexico, he’ll be back.
Chief called for you, Egon. He said this take ain’t it.
Plenty of players have gone to Mexico, completely mashed the ball, and made it back to the Major Leagues. Puig wouldn’t be the first.
Not really. Every hitter rakes in Mexican League and every pitcher struggles. It doesn’t prove anything. Plus, Puig has nothing to prove on-the-fieldt. He’s clearly getting blacklisted for off-the-field reason.
If you’re waiting for #MeToo and the alike to blow over you might just have a long wait on your hands, I don’t think we’re ever going backwards, nor should we.
Never going back to a time of innocent until proven guilty and due process? And you think that’s something we shouldn’t return to?
Innocent until proven guilty has never existed outside of a courtroom (and rarely inside of it). People have always acted emotional first and rationalized things after. Stop romanticizing the past. With a username like yours, you’d think you would be more well read on history or has McCarthyism slipped your mind?
True and it’s exactly why we are in the state we are in. Damage gets done to society as a whole, based on what information we are force fed, regardless of the truth. Silly that we haven’t figured that out yet.
He didnt rape someone.
It is because of the sexual assault case, which is still unresolved. Even if Puig is cleared of any wrongdoing.. the guy just seems like way more of a headache than his on-field production is worth.
Baseball isn’t a chemistry sport and frankly most MLB players are no choir boys either.
As a former ‘advanced level’s player, I could not disagree more. Chemistry is huge. The clubhouse matters and to think it doesn’t shows your lack of team sport play.
Lacks maturity and drive. Natural talent can only get you so far
He was not being signed BEFORE the case hit the news. It certinaly seems like there is something going on below the surface that no one wants to talk about. Its also unique that some historically media adverse players have had things to say about him as a teammate and person. Id love for a burner account from a team or actual player to come on and talk about what the league perception is on Puig that clearly is keeping him out of all orgs.
A lot has been said about Puig over the years, including by his teammates, probably more than just about any other player, because fans and the media are transfixed by the guy and have been from the very start (which is why his speeding tickets are still being talked about so many years later). So you really don’t need any more information about Puig to make a judgement, because you have already and no information would change it. Am I right? You know I am.
He’s not very good. 1.3 fwar in over 600 PAs in his final season and the Braves gave him an offer, he got covid (or tested positive, I guess that doesn’t necessarily mean he had it)…it’s not a conspiracy keeping him from an MLB roster.
He’s not that good of a player, really. All else aside, he’s someone most teams can replace with minor league call up
When he can’t cut it in the Mexican League; he’ll sign with Cleveland.
That’s funny, but they’re his last team and the one he wore out his welcome with. They wanted no part of bringing him back.
Tito’s silence on Puig speaks. Especially considering the sad state of Cleveland’s outfield.
Did his domestic violence case ever get resolved?
He’s claiming that he was unjustly accused and that the matter was consensual, in a recent statement he prepared with his lawyers. He seems like he’s not backing down and that he’s willing to fight to prove – correctly or incorrectly depending on your point of view – his innocence.
How can anyone without direct knowledge of what happened have any point of view about it at all?
In current year, we don’t wait for facts or evidence, it’s all about hot takes.
and that very well could be why Puig is not in the big leagues. Kinda sad actually. He is a character and entertaining.
Veracruz is also an obscure model from Hyundai. So, he’s got that going for him.
So Osuna and Puig get blackballed, but Chapman gets to stay?
I think Osuna is recovering from TJS, isn’t he? Hard to say he was blackballed.. dude played 2.5 years after he served his suspension for domestic violence and the Houston Astros traded for him.
I’m sure all teams are taking the allegations against Puig seriously.. but even if he is cleared of any wrongdoing, there is a lot more going on. He is just a constant distraction and doesn’t produce on the field. He isnt worth the trouble.
He’s productive enough to play everyday, so he’s absolutely worth the trouble if he’s willing to take a cheap contract. Millionaires get sued all the time for all sorts of things and most of them settle out of court, including plenty of MLB players. Puig is not charged criminally.
@Jake To be honest, since 2016 Puig has been a dumpster fire off the field. Teams who want to put a competitive team on the field, will over look Puig because of his off field issues. I can’t blame any MLB club for not gambling on Puig and him turning his life around. MLBPA won’t even get involved with Puig and that says a lot. Puig ruined his career. It’s a shame too, the kid has a lot of talent and Betts/Puig anchoring that lineup in LA, would have given any team nightmares. Puig allow his head to swell and his ego get to big.
I think he’s lazy. His career-best slash line was his rookie year. His 2nd best slash line was his sophomore year. He was on an almost straight-line decline until Manfred’s “juiced balls” revived his career somewhat in 2017. Pitchers adjusted to him and he never adjusted back. He wasted his talent. From a purely standpoint, he’s still good enough to be an everyday player in the MLB, but he’s an underachiever who wasted his talent.
Being an every day player is debatable. Above average in 2017, about average in 2018 and below average in 2019.
Osuna isn’t blackballed. He’s attempting to pitch with torn UCL and teams don’t think he would be effective. He should just get Tommy John out of the way and sign a Ken Giles-type contract.
Pug’s career reminds me a lot of Delmon Young’s. A guy with huge potention and could shine at times but never found consistency. Both had off field issues which cut short their MLB careers at a young age.
He’s a lot better than Delmon Young and perfectly good enough to be an everyday player. Young washing out at a young age had nothing to do with his off-the-field issue, but for being a replacement-level slap hitter (empty batting average, doesn’t take walks), defensively-challenged fat arse, and liability on the basepath.
Those who go by sabermetrics and algorithms call him Elmon Young since there was no D(efense) in his game.
Delmon Young couldn’t draw a walk to save his hide.
Overrated.
It was announced today that ESPN will stream some LMB games. I think the Bartolo Colon starts will be likely targets. Colon facing Puog is enticing.
I’m looking forward to the July 13-15 series with Jalisco, where we might be treated to Big Sexy facing off against Japhet Amador in what may prove to be the heaviest at-bat ever.
Big Dummy
Clearly there’s something we’re not privy to with the guy. On a pure talent basis, there is no reason why he shouldn’t have been signed a long time ago.
How about licking his bat? Does that qualify?
He seems to have developed the reputation of being difficult in the clubhouse, at least he did as a Dodger. I remember reading more than one article which stated that while some teammates liked him, at least as many couldn’t stand him. He seems to be a guy who wants to always do things his own way, no matter what anyone else thinks or what the rules are.
We heard all last year on these comments that Puig was a model teammate and piller of the community despite his reputation saying other wise. Lots of former Dodger execs in front offices around the league that obviously do not share that sentiment. Maybe if does well in Mexico someone will give him a shot but this may be Puig’s last stand
Serious question. Doesn’t his case involve a domestic violence situation? As such, shouldn’t this particular thread be closed for comments? If not, where does sexual violence fall?
Not saying this thread should be closed, but I think you all need to establish a clear line.
It’s a civil case. He’s not charged criminally. Anybody can sue you civilly, even someone you never met.
I know. I’m just raising this as an example of where the new policy needs to be clarified. Should it matter if it’s civil versus criminal, or an accusation? If transactions are connected to the original case, should posts be closed?
Just simply pointing out potential issues with policy.
I guess he wanted a trip to Mexico that didn’t require assistance from the cartels like his previous defections.
Puig is one pallet short of a load. He refuses to conform, and except he hits .280 or above no one is going to pay him millions to play. His jerseys were hot once, but spousal abuse, DUI’s , etc. drive down the demand.
I saw a few LA Puig t-shirts on the clearance rack at Marshalls. Puig is a has-been.
So you just noticed that he no longer plays for the Dodgers?
Life will go on and no one will notice he is gone. Quite rich but quite gone.
Puig is out of MLB for more than just this sexual assault suit.
Good place for him.
Mets should trade Conforto for relief pitching and sign Puig
he isn’t good enough for MLB
Career slash line: .277/.348/.475/.823
That used to be more than good enough.
It’s been a long time since teams decided whether or not a player was currently good enough based on their career slash lines.
29 dingers, 19 swipes in his last full season, with acceptable OBA, doesn’t seem to be “below replacement level” production.
Hothead or not, there appears to be a few teams this year that could use a jolt to wake up.
why, now 30, instead of still 30?
All these injuries and Puig can’t get a deal? I’m starting to think what Jose Canseco was saying about MLB not wanting him to play might have some merit to it.
Where does he fit?
What’s funny is Canseco may be the father of the steroid era but even he continued to get opportunities even after he was no longer productive. The problem with Puig is Puig, not some conspiracy theory.
Side note: any Angel fans here willing to admit to buying a Canseco Angels jersey when he signed with them after the 2000 season. I’ll admit to having his Red Sox jersey back in the day
Canseco was judged differently because sabermetrics did not really exist back in his day. Today, a guy like Canseco who hits for a low average, strikes out a lot, and had so-so on base skills along with zero defensive value would have lots of trouble signing a contract today. Puig would’ve had as long a playing career as Canseco if he played during his era.
Puig’s off-field behavior and personality problems are probably stopping him from getting a major league deal.
I’m trying to come up with a number in USD that he’ll make. $25k? $50 k?
The Braves could’ve taken a flier on him, because they sure could use a hitter in the outfield.
Nah. Braves don’t want him. Big pass!
Puig will become the Hank Aaron of the Mexican League. Watch out!
If he wasn’t a hot head, he probably would’ve been playing with a MLB team right now.
Perverted bat licker.
The more baggage you have, the better you have to be on the field for clubs to overlook your character deficiencies.
Puig became both expendable on the field (the FA market was full of outfielders at his level or better) and too much of a liability off the field for teams to justify taking a chance in him, and that was before the allegations.
Laws make it easier to beat women there.
Would have liked to see him play with Kenny Powers for the Charros. Not sure the team could handle those 2 egos at the same time. Their owner seems like a good dude though.
Snort away Yasiel, snort away…..
Puig’s bad behavior has cost him… big time.
Do you think he might be able to put up better numbers than the Phillies current left fielder?
Any other team running short of capable OF’s lately??
When Yasiel makes a costly fielding error, he has a built in excuse. “The doggie told me to Drop the Chalupa”
Showed his ass already, barking at the pitcher and emptying the benches. Keep up the good work Yasiel, you’ll be back in a major league park in no time, of course you’ll have to buy a ticket…