Yasiel Puig has come to terms on a contract with the Atlanta Braves, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Puig needs to pass several tests before the contract becomes official, including a physical and preliminary Covid-19 tests.
Yasiel Puig is signing with the Braves, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 14, 2020
Puig in 2019
In 2019, Puig hit .267/.327/.458 with 24 Home Runs and 84 RBI during his 149 games. He played 95 games in right field. Having split time between the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians, he comes with experience playing in both leagues.
Puig does come with baggage being that he played for three different teams within the last two seasons. Not to mention, he was suspended twice this past season for fights against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Regardless, Yasiel Puig is a good player; certainly, the Atlanta Braves believe in him if they were willing to sign him so close to Opening Day.
For the Braves
Yasiel Puig will join an outfield that features young star Ronald Acuna Jr.
He looks to be the team’s replacement in right field after Nick Markakis opted out of the season. The Braves look primed to get back to the Postseason in 2020. 2019 was the first time Puig missed the postseason in his career, and hopefully, he will go back to the playoffs in 2020.
Puig turned 29-years-old back on December 7 and has yet to win a World Series thus far. Hopefully, this is a move that can benefit both parties. His career .280/.351/.429 slash line in 12 postseason series brings success to and experience to a Braves team looking to get over the top.
His temper and antics may be a risk going forward for the Braves. However, they hope he can fill in the void left by Markakis for the time being. It’s likely that he will not play every game, but will be a starter in the outfield rotation. Assuming injuries won’t happen, he will likely play 45-50 games for the Braves.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
