Yasiel Puig and His Future
Now that the offseason is in full swing, it is time to look at one of the biggest names in free agency. For the first time in his career, Yasiel Puig is a free agent, and fans are unclear about where he will go next. With seven years of Major League experience, the twenty-eight-year-old brings plenty of playoff experience while entering into his prime.
In 2019, Puig hit .267/.327/.458 with 24 Home Runs and 84 RBI during his 149 games. Having split time between the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians, he comes with experience playing in both leagues. Yasiel Puig does come with baggage being that he has played for three different teams within the last 12 months. Not to mention, Puig was suspended twice this past season for fights against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Also, there are other issues Puig had which some franchises may want to deal with. Regardless, Yasiel Puig is a good player.
Puig made $9.7 million in 2019 so as a free agent he looks to get a raise as he enters his prime seasons.
The Options
New York Yankees
The Yankees are a big market team that has failed to win the World Series in the last decade. Injuries to their starters Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge showed how important having depth is. Yasiel Puig is someone who loves the spotlight and in the Bronx, he would have that opportunity. Brett Gardner is a free agent so that could mean the Yankees are in need of an outfielder.
With Aaron Hicks hurt the Yankees do need a centerfielder so signing Gardner might be the better move. The New York Yankees are connected to most free agents and this could be an interesting match or a chance to bolster depth. Although this combination may appear strange it makes more sense when it is closely evaluated. Puig certainly is within the Yankees price range.
Philadelphia Phillies
There are a number of reasons why Yasiel Puig could become a member of the Philadelphia Phillies come Opening Day. The first being that Yasiel Puig is an upgrade from Scott Kingery, Andrew McCutchen or Adam Haseley. Puig and Bryce Harper could make a solid tandem in the outfield. The Phillies were quite close to making the postseason in 2019 and with the Washington Nationals maybe losing key pieces, this could be their year to contend.
They just hired Joe Girardi who is a winner and can get the most out of his players. The Phillies have shown that they are willing to spend a lot of money to build a winning team.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have a young exciting core of players. After a fun 2019 season, it appears that they are in much need of another outfielder. After pursuing stars in free agency this past offseason and failing the White Sox and Puig could make a good match. If Puig is patient, he could win a World Series with the White Sox in a few years.
The team may not make the playoffs in 2020, but have a good chance to contend in 2021. Chicago is another city with a big stage that Puig would love to perform on. With the Cubs missing the playoffs, Puig can help bring the spotlight to the White Sox. In addition, 38 games against the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals also might entice him.
New York Mets
Similar to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mets are in a situation where they were close to making the playoffs in 2019 but just missed. Now with a new manager, the Mets look to make the playoffs. The Mets would be considered a sleeper team if Puig’s interest were to decrease.
Yasiel Puig would be an upgrade to their outfield specifically defensively. There is a concern that Brodie van Wagenen and the owners have opposing views on spending money but Puig could make a good fit under the right circumstances. They have a young and exciting core that has a chance to make the playoffs in 2020.
Cleveland Indians
Despite the Indians missing the playoffs, Puig may decide to stay in Cleveland. The Indians were in need of an outfielder when they traded for him. Unless other moves are made chances are they still will need an everyday outfielder. Frankly, the Indians have a great chance of winning the division in 2020; so why not grab someone who has been there before? Not to mention, Puig played better in Cleveland than in Cincinnati last season.
