By definition, there’ll always be one final major free agent to come off the board. It’s a lonely spot, perhaps, but also one where the market is yours and yours alone. Things rarely shake out quite as might originally have been hoped, but neither does last-man-standing status mean the money has necessarily dried up. We saw two fairly large contracts handed out in the middle of the 2019 season, including a multi-year pact for Craig Kimbrel.
MLBTR’s top 50 list has been picked over rather thoroughly. There are three unsigned players, including a solid relief arm (Pedro Strop) and useful utilityman (Brock Holt). But if we’re being honest, there were others just off the list who could make roughly similar free agent cases. We predicted both players to receive fairly modest guarantees.
So with Nick Castellanos leaving the board yesterday, we can now official declare: this year, the Big Name Yet To Sign is Yasiel Puig. His days as a true star with the Dodgers are distant memories now, but Puig has mostly been productive outside of a poor stretch with the Reds to open the 2019 season. He hit about twenty percent above the league-average rate in the prior two campaigns and finished with a solid run late last year after being dealt to the Indians. Depending upon one’s preferred means of measuring and valuing defense, Puig was a 3-4 WAR player in 2017 and 2018. He’s only just turned 29; perhaps his downtick in 2019 was just a blip.
On the one hand, this isn’t much of a surprise. Much like the three other young corner outfielders on this year’s market, Puig was an awfully tough player to gauge. All the more so in his case … not only does Puig come with some performance questions, but he’s a notably eccentric player whose occasional hijinks may not be fully welcomed by all organizations. But this was hardly inevitable. Puig also has long looked like an intriguing buy-low candidate — one that a value-hunting team might well have targeted from the outset.
Whatever the background, we now have a much clearer picture of the Puig situation than when we predicted he’d take down a one-year, $8MM deal when the market opened. We’ve now seen Castellanos (four years, $64MM), Ozuna (one year, $18MM), and Avisail Garcia (two years, $20MM) set a market that had been ill-defined. And multiple teams have filled openings, of course, even beyond the clubs that inked those players (the Reds, Braves, and Brewers). The Diamondbacks and Marlins have installed multiple outfielders; the White Sox seem to have filled out their lineup.
But that’s not to say that it’s now all that obvious where Puig ought to land. The Tigers — our guess at the outset of the winter — still make sense for all the same reasons. But it’s also possible the club will prefer to preserve its roster flexibility to jump on some intriguing players that shake loose early in 2020. A return to the Indians still makes some amount of sense if the club elects to add back some salary. That the Cleveland org went out and got Puig last year adds to the plausibility.
There are other teams worth considering as possibilities. The Rangers have pursued a righty bat to join a lefty-heavy outfield mix, though whether they’ve got interest in Puig specifically isn’t clear. It’s wild to imagine it, but the Giants are certainly an on-paper fit for the same essential reasons that the Tigers are. You could argue that the Orioles should be as well, even if they already have a few guys on hand that they’d like to give a look to. And why not the Rockies? The club isn’t spending much, but could perhaps find a way to make one bet and could really use the upside. Puig’s right-handed bat would provide much-needed lineup balance.
And what about teams back-filling after trades? The Pirates could be involved in theory, though they’re mostly in need of center field capability and are surely wary of off-field (or on-field) shenanigans after a trying 2019 season. The Mariners previously dropped Domingo Santana and aren’t exactly laden with established talent. And hey, what about the Red Sox? If they end up dealing Mookie Betts, an upside play might be just the ticket.
If we consider timeshare possibilities, the Angels make some sense. The club needs to be willing to accept some risk to turn the corner. Puig could pair with Brian Goodwin while the club waits for Jo Adell to force his way up. The Marlins can still consider Puig as part of a revamped lineup mix, even if they aren’t really set up to install him as an everyday presence. If there’s still an avenue for the Rays to jump in on Puig, it’s a narrow one now that Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena are on hand. But the Tampa Bay organization can surely figure a way to shift things around if it sees a chance to shoehorn in a value opportunity.
It takes some squinting and some balancing of tradeoffs even to imagine a fit for Puig. Just how specific teams feel about the polarizing player, and just what situation he prefers, will no doubt dictate the outcome. But there are plenty of theoretical possibilities.
gotigers68
I’d love to see the Tigers get Puig, so that means it probably won’t happen……
BobSacamano
Yikes, that’s the last player I want my Tigs to sign. They already have Miggy’s attitude to deal with. I have heard people call Puig a clubhouse cancer on here. You want him leading these young kids?
Stallion97
If you’re going by what people say on here, then you might just believe anything.
BobSacamano
ohh, is that how it works?
macstruts
You think Puig is liked? Why don’t you ask Don Mattingly if he wants Puig to play for the Marlins.
MarlinsFanBase
Exactly. As a Marlins fan, we know that Puig was not going to be welcomed by Mattingly. When the rumors surfaced, we never really believed the Marlins were interested in him. Also, with all that is said about the Marlins ownership, Jeter is trying to run the team without players of questionable character. Michael Jordan, who is sitting in that owner’s seat here too, is also a guy that isn’t interested in questionable character players in Miami. With Mattingly, Jeter, and MJ, the odds of Puig in Miami was a long shot – even with the marketing that could be done with him in Miami. That says a lot about Puig’s character.
Anyone want to argue with Mattingly, Jeter, and MJ when it comes to their opinions about a player’s character?
Oh, and this is even before I mention that they occasionally talk to Pat Riley of the Miami Heat about the “Heat Culture”.
craigmiller13
I think Joey Votto & the Reds clubhouse might have an opinion that is a little different.
Chief Two Hands
Mattingly couldn’t even get along with Ethier. The guy is a terrible manager and only has a managing job due to his name. That said, it has been widely reported by journalists who have spent a lot of time with the Dodgers that their chemistry has improved significantly since Puig was traded. The same has also been said since Mattingly was replaced by Roberts, as well, though. As a fan, it has been very obvious that getting rid of both of them has benefitted the team in big way. I remember Greinke openly questioning Mattingly about his poor decisions in the playoffs, too.
MarlinsFanBase
Okay, fair enough if you want to knock Mattingly. Can you explain Jeter and Michael Jordan because they are Mattingly’s bosses?
A guy like Puig is not a personality that they would welcome either.
junkmale
Mattingly’s never been the same since he trimmed them sideburns.
Jim Emmons
The point ought to be is Puig an upgrade to what most teams have in right field now? He probably is and his attitude on and off the field is better since the Dodgers sent him down to AAA a few years ago. He’s got a family (sorta) now. which also seems to settle him down.
lowtalker1
Now, to get the facts straight up a padres fan. I’ve watched him play for years. Though he can be a prima-donna, he brings a level of excitement and drive to any team he plays with.
MarlinsFanBase
I’m a Marlins fan, and we know why the Marlins weren’t likely to bring him in. See above post by me.
lowtalker1
I’m firmly believe if the doyuers didn’t trade puig they would have continued their ws trend
trf000
He had no issues in Cincinnati or Cleveland.
MarlinsFanBase
No problems in Cleveland or Cincinnati probably due to contract year. It has been said that he may spend the rest of his career stuck with 1-year deals to minimize any team’s risk.
No matter what is said on either side, I think it’s safe to say that Puig’s behavior over the years has hurt his chances significantly for ever getting a big contract with guaranteed money.
Rallyshirt
@Marlinsfanbase, As a big league Puig fan, I think you’re missing a key point while sounding like you work first-shift as MJ’s towel boy – hot and fresh every morning.
Mattingly, Jeter, MJ and Pat Riley are not afraid of Puig. You are.
MarlinsFanBase
MJ’s towel boy? Um, anyone that knows sports, knows that many Heat fans don’t like MJ. We grew to accept him and Jeter when they bought the team.
As for afraid of Puig? I don’t get that either. He’d be a good market sell in our market due to the number of Cuban-American fans in Miami.
Here’s something you’re missing. Despite Puig’s age, talent, and bargain price right now, the Marlins chose to go with the OLDER, LESS TALENTED, MORE EXPENSIVE, LESS MARKETABLE Corey Dickerson instead of Puig. And the Marlins aren’t the only team to pass on him in favor of another OF that falls into similar categories to the ones I list here. That says a lot right there about Puig.
Rallyshirt
I don’t mean you personally are MJ’s towel boy, I mean you were sounding like it by stating things like he and others stand by a higher moral compass than just making money for their franchise.
Puig makes money. He represents a shrinking number of players who will legitimately increase ticket sales and televised audiences. It doesn’t matter if someone is an alleged nuisance to some dudes who haven’t played professionally in 20+ years. Times have changed. Dickerson is not a “care about the fans” move comparatively.
Miami could do both Dickerson and Puig and make some noise, but settle for a broken kazoo with Dickerson alone.
MarlinsFanBase
You see the Miami Heat? You see how they run things under Pat Riley? They pass up on money makers for the sake of their culture. Jeter, upon arriving, made statements that they would get players that played hard and were “character guys”. Everyone knows how Mattingly, Jeter, and MJ carried themselves in their careers. The fact that they occasionally are known to talk to Pat Riley about how he runs the Heat, falls in line with the messages they’ve sent. Puig doesn’t fit into that concept.
And everyone knows Puig is a guy that would bring people to the park, especially in Miami. The Marlins opted for Dickerson, which is more about the culture they are trying to foster.
And no, they were not going to sign both Dickerson and Puig. The Marlins made it clear that they did not want to block any of their prospects that are coming up this Spring Traning and for the next couple of seasons. The Marlins right now will have a bunch of guys competing for OF jobs this Spring. They wanted someone that was the right fit for what they have been doing in this rebuild. Puig was not the right fit due to his personality…and nothing else. It’s clear as day when they signed Dickerson instead for more money than they would have had to spend on Puig.
So for the Marlins, it isn’t about the immediate gratification that comes with Puig. It’s the long term plan of not letting that personality into their franchise in front of the many kids that are coming along. They preferred to spend more on a veteran, that plays hard everyday, who doesn’t come with the antics or the bad example to younger players.
wileycoyote56
I think Gardy can handle Puig, and if he plays well he might bring prospects in July. Let’s face it, he can’t make Tigers worse than last year
BobSacamano
Pence or Maybin would be my FA choice for DET
weaselpuppy
Tigers should jump on Jose Siri
BobSacamano
He ko’s more than JaCoby.
wileycoyote56
But he hits more too, but then who doesn’t
Tigernut2000
The one thing you and the MLBTR staff keep ignoring: Character. Not Detroit’s style, and Tiger fans would never support his act.
stymeedone
They supported Cespedes.
Ejemp2006
Puig is no Cespedes. Talent and production gap is massive.
apitts87
Unanswered question in the chat: could he make more $$$ in Japan? Still a good-ish player with a high Q-score could capitalize on being a higher profile name in a new market. Although are there visa issues related to defecting from Cuba? I wonder if his people kicked around the idea…
whyhayzee
This little puigy went to market.
JRamHOF
Fingers crossed that the Indians will try to resign him. Wouldn’t even be that expensive, but I have reason to believe our owners will continue to be penny pinchers.
datrain021
Agree with everything here. Dolans have no excuse to not have at least a $100 million payroll
Michael Chaney
Agreed. He really wouldn’t cost much (especially at this point), and he’d fill a gaping hole in right field. He’s not a superstar, but I think it’s safe to expect average or better offense with decent defense and baserunning. Even just an average player would do them a lot of good, but he has the upside for more.
Naquin might be back early in the summer, but if they’re both hitting well it won’t be hard to find them at bats.
solaris602
I’m right there with you. They’d probably offer him 2 years at $10-12M, but I’m not sure that’s enough to get it done. CLE can definitely afford him with both Kluber and Kipnis off the books, but we’re talking about Dolan here, and we all know he invented copper wire during a tug o’ war over a penny.
Goku the Knowledgable One
Ya probably around 5.5 over 1.. I really cant see him getting 2 years in a row on the same team
Ejemp2006
The Indians are going to get their payroll on a Rays level and keep it there.
mistry gm
Wonderful guy. Right up there with Milton Bradley.
MrMet62
I really can’t see the Pirates signing Puig.
Goku the Knowledgable One
I think its possible as trade bait at the deadline, but agreed, more likely a LMG guy like Billy Hamilton or Pillar
angt222
Idk if they would be interested, but the Giants look like a team that could use Puig along with the Tigers.
khopper10
Mariners won’t be in. They want to lose games while seeing what they have with Lewis/Bishop/Fraley/Smith before Kelenic and Rodriguez arrive.
Slothcliff Hokum
Only hazarding a guess, but I think the guys in the Mariners clubhouse would beg to differ about wanting to lose games.
Michael Chaney
Yeah but the players don’t really have control over the roster DiPoto builds
khopper10
I agree with you. But the front office is clearly keeping its powder dry trying to get one more good draft pick while seeing what they have in-house.
nailz#4life
ROX or boSOX. Be fun to see him play in both places.
Les Chesterfield
You have to be super pissed if you’re a Rockies fan. They have a really good team and this should be their time to add quality players for cheap like puig/holt/strip or any other pitcher they can get. Joke leadership at the top of the organization
T_Rexx2
I could see him in Boston if they do end up trading Betts.
nailz#4life
Holt to TOR….. I have said this all off season.
seth3120
Ok
nailz#4life
Strop to SF. They need someone with closer experience, at least early on.
Ahimsa
Surprised he’s not signed yet. Didn’t have the hitting we were hoping for with the Reds, but he played really good defense, and has a cannon for an arm. Looked to be a good guy in the dugout/clubhouse also.
mistry gm
lol lol lol lol lol.
DarkSide830
id rather have Santana if im honest
Big glove502
same here. although Puig on a 1 year wouldn’t hurt my feelings. just another guy the Giants would hope has a good first half.
jbigz12
Puig can play defense and doesn’t strike out every other AB. The fact that no one wanted him in FA might just open his eyes up. Maybe. Even it doesn’t I think he’s the more valuable player.
msqboxer
Still think the best scenario for Puig is a 1 year deal with the CWS. The question is his baggage and work ethic and if players like veterans Abreu, Encarnacion and Grandal could calm his attitude to focus on his talent. or if he’d be a cancer to the young players.
ASapsFables
The clubhouse ‘baggage’ might have been an issue with the likelihood that the White Sox front office vetted Yasiel Puig through both Jose Abreu and his former Dodgers teammate Yasmani Grandal earlier this offseason. I don’t believe anyone should question Puig’s ‘work ethic’, at least with his offseason conditioning. The man is a physical beast. I don’t believe that happens by accident and comes with any help from outside influences like HGH with all the testing going on these days.
ClancyJ
If the Twins end up trading Rosario for a pitcher, Puig would be a decent bridge until Kiriloff or Larnach are MLB ready.
heater
Not a chance he walks into that clubhouse.
jbigz12
Much more likely that Larnach or Kiriloff is traded for that pitcher
Rich Hill’s Elbow
Not sure why, but I could see Mets taking a chance on Cespedes 2.0.
AllRiseForTheJudge
Puig would be a better fit for the Mets and Cespedes at this point. He can at least stay somewhat healthy
nymetsking
How? Way too many corner OF options as it is.
Kingofallmagic
As a Cubs fan, I hope he goes to the American league.
Matt_Angel_Bronco_Laker
If the Angels can’t out pitch others, out slug them. I’d be happy with Puig in right and use Goodwin as the pure 4th outfielder for the inevitable injuries. Plus this allows Adell and the Angels to be patient with his progress. If Adell is killing it, trade Puig at the deadline for prospects and Adell up. Win-Win.
stymeedone
no one wants to sign him. why would they trade for him.?
californiaangels
wouldn’t mind to see him as an Angel…mo faith in Goodwin and im.scared we may bring up Adell to early because of Goodwins struggles
anthonyd4412
Big name but not much of an impact player
Les Chesterfield
Glad to see the reds choose to do better than puig w moose and cast. although a steep price- puig just seems like such a head case. Loved watching him play last year but just look at how every team that’s been affiliated w him wants nothing to do w him.
therealryan
Did the Reds really do better though? If you remove the names, take a look below at Puig and Castellanos over the past 3 seasons.
Player A: .287/.337/.505/.842, 120 OPS+, 2.3 WAR/Season
Player B: .265/.334/.478/.811, 112 OPS +, 2.3 WAR/Season
One was just signed by the Reds for 4/$64 million and the other could probably be had for half of that if not less. As to the Puig being a head case, are we sure Castellanos isn’t? The Castellanos supporters say that his time with the Cubs was the real Castellanos and his numbers with the Tigers were because of the losing. If this is true, then that would mean Castellanos didn’t try as hard when things went bad. That doesn’t sound like a championship attitude or mindset that you would want from a player you justed inked to the largest free agent contract in team history.
Rangers29
What I’m confused about is you not showing who is A and who is B.
therealryan
I wanted to show a comparison between the players without showing their names since many here believe one of those players is worth at least twice as much as the other player. I personally think both are solid ballplayers that will help your team win, evidenced by thier similar slash lines and WAR. However, if you could sign one of them for $8 million/season on a short term deal and the other one needs $16 million/season on a 4 year deal there is greater value in the $8 million ballplayer since his smaller contract will also allow you to address needs at another position.
mistry gm
Are you serious? Puig is club house JOKE. Castellanos will light it up for the next four years. There’s a reason nobody wants him.
christian18cutshaw
I’d like to see Puig in ATL. Ozuna, Acuna, Puig OF sure would be fun.
Android Dawesome
Ozuna, Acuna and a Buffoona
Goku the Knowledgable One
Android wins
its_happening
Cleveland should be all over Puig. Boston’s owner should stop worrying about the luxury and sign Puig to play RF and move Betts to CF with Bradley covering right bench.
DirtyWater04
If we are serious about trying to shed payroll I am still at a loss for why JBJ wasn’t non-tendered.
stymeedone
There is a shortage of true CF. If he shows even reasonable offense, he has trade value.
mistry gm
Its not the luxury tax that worries them, it’s Puig.
spinach
Yankees sleeper, with Hicks out and Stanton more of a DH and EE gone he could bill his way to everyday role with strong play.
Red Sox should get JD to play first with no one locked in there, would create a fit for Puig in outfield rotation.
He might take cheap deal for chance at good role good team.
LordD99
Most definitely not a Yankees-type player. Even if they could get past Puig’s attitude, the Yankees prefer to rotate hitters through the DH spot, and they have a surplus with the return of Andujar who will get DH ABs, as will Sanchez, Stanton, Ford, Voit, etc. Even Judge when they want to give him a “half-day” rest.
mtex
The name revealed in paragraph 3… what kind of shovel works best for burying a lede?
LordD99
Yeah, no need for the preamble.
timyanks
st. louis still needs a big bat
bigbadjohnny
Cardinals lost out on everyone…….all talk…..nothing to show !
Baseball Expert
The Cardinals never lose. They draw 3 million whether ownership upgrades or not. They’re pulling the cash out. DeWitt thinks a second wild card is a world championship.
Les Chesterfield
Cardinals are rebuilding. Pay attention
Goku the Knowledgable One
Cardinals are a well oiled machine.
Remind me of my Steelers rarely making a flashy move but focus on good development and taking care of their own
Goku the Knowledgable One
As they say, never rebuilding, just retooling…
In contrast the Pirates are permanently rebuilding.. even in the rare case that they have a roster worth keeping together.
The Ghost of Bobby Bonilla
Cleveland’s outfield is a giant mess, even with 30 of their 40-man roster being outfielders (seemingly). He needs to resign in Cleveland on a pillow contract.
mike156
Puig to Red Sox after a Mookie trade would be fascinating. Even as a Yankee’s fan I can say that. He’s never appeared in Fenway, though.
bigbadjohnny
Strop heading back to the Cubs
mistry gm
God I hope not.
bigbadjohnny
Puig is a Cancer……uncontrollable……great bat……but has head issues…..he will like Japan !
BlueSkies_LA
Nah. He’s high maintenance, and a little eccentric maybe, and that tries the patience of the more deadly serious players, but I’ve never heard anyone say he’s a bad person. He’s basically a big goofy kid, and a highly entertaining ballplayer. Japan would be an odd destination for a player who licks his bats.
mistry gm
Hay blueskies Wrong, wrong, wrong, ask Kemp about him.
bigbadjohnny
BREAKING NEWS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Ben Zobrist……..is still thinking should he return to a MLB team.
Michael Birks
Isn’t the reason he’s thinking of retiring because he has a disabled child?
ghostrobot
Puig my friend
martras
I’ve got to think that Ron Gardenhire would have a lot of influence here. Puig reminds me a lot of Carlos Gomez (GoGo) and GoGo used to drive Gardy nuts sometimes, but I think GoGo grew on him.
1738hotlinebling
Puig to the Mets
oriole
It’s funny you mentioned the Orioles because there’s literally no chance of that happening.
h0wmyd0ing
Pirates need to sign “make good” deals with Puig, Gennett, Taijuan Walker. If it works, sell for trade deadline and put something on the field.
Goku the Knowledgable One
Agree on Taijuan for sure. Not so much on the other folk listed
Dexxter
Get him Jays.
Grichuks bat and contract look better in CF anyway, make Alford and Fisher backups and move Teoscar to DH.
Paul Miller
This. And it would be fun seeing Puig in the AL East on a regular basis.
kodion
With a starting outfield of the Sunflower Avalanche, Ball-face, and the Bat-licker
hogansgoat
To the pirates, he and Kela together would get that clubhouse rocking!!
rangers13
Wouldn’t mind him in Ranger Blue for 1 /5, probably defensive upgrade over Calhoun. I confess a bit concerned about attitude, but perhaps between Woody, Andrus, Frazier, and Chirinos they could him under control. Would be much easier decision if Beltre or Young was in clubhouse. Could also possibly allow Calhoun to be included in trades for JBell, Mancini, Bryant, Inciarte, Margot or DSmith. All in all probably worth low cost potential high reward risk.
Rangers29
I’d hate to replace Calhoun with Puig, because he finally got his shot last year, and he proved he is here to say, he’s the next big thing. I do want to see this Bryant grievance get settled for two years, so that we can trade for him as a nice bridge to Jung. But if not, I’d like to get who ever has the most control out of Jbell, Mancini, and Dsmith.
jekporkins
The fact the Marlins aren’t interested is telling…. the way he snuck out of Cuba was incredibly controversial. Maybe it would be a bad PR move? I would assume the opposite but he burned a lot of bridges with some sketchy people. Or is it because he’s a reputed jerk and bad clubhouse influence?
If you haven’t read about his defection t I highly recommend. espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/10781144/no-one-w…
rangers13
Possibly worth low cost say 1/5 for Rangers. Woody would be familiar with him and would assign Andrus or Frazier as his handler.
southern lion
Puig is a bat licking joke. Go away Yasiel, please!
Rangers29
I’ve been saying Puig to the Giants the entire time, and it was my free agent prediction… Let me get 11 right!
msqboxer
Only reasons or potential reasons he’s unsigned – Head Case, Club House Problem, Out of Shape (Sumo Wrestling in Japan), PED suspicions…..
BlueSkies_LA
E. None of the above.
bravesfan
All these guys will sign before season starts… they don’t really have leverage like previous guys. Wouldn’t be shocked to see Puig in a marlins uniform…. just saying… not sure their is room cause I don’t know their roster… but if I’m the marlins, I’m grabbing him. Pedro also. Latin guys in a Latin environment makes sense and they just so happen to be good ball players. :/
cheesesteak
Haven’t heard how McCutchen’s knee is rehabbing. He would make a nice insurance piece for the Phils.
cheesesteak
Haven’t heard how McCutchen’s knee is rehabbing. He would make a nice insurance piece for the Phils.
ReverieDays
Puig was never a “true star”. Dude was all hype and never lived up to it.
martras
Yeah, that 9.4 fWAR he produced in his first 1-1/2 seasons wasn’t “true star” worthy. I mean, he only ranked 17th in all of MLB over 2013 and 2014 despite not playing a full season in his rookie campaign.
I don’t like the guy much, but give credit where it’s due. He had the ability and was a game changer when he first came out. Attitude and lack of responsibility tanked him after that.
tiger68
Thinking the Tigers get Puig as a mid season trade piece could make sense, Avila likes to gamble. I could see the owners avoiding Puig because of their past actions with Garcia, JP, and comments made about Miggy and his drinking in the past. When the Tigers wanted to distance themselves fast from JP due to the PEDS issue as him being our shortstop makes me think Puig would be a fan and reporters hope.
I could see him helping the young outfielders and I said last year we need a vet in the outfield Nick should have gone to first base with a long term contract if he proved to have merit at first.
When you have a young team and a farm team loaded with pitchers, a vet with a bat is a blessing. We have little hope in the Hens from what seen at games for a power bar. The other issues is we need guys willing to bunt and put pressure on the defense. That comes from a vet showing them the way, hence Maybin the thief with and oven glove.
Our manager is amazing and I hope we extend his contract. He can deliver a winning team just takes time and fan support.
mistry gm
Avila may be the only person on the planet dumb enough to sign him. He’s a disaster waiting to happen.
davepond88
Would have been a good buy-low for KC but they went the Mr. Royal route by bringing Gordon back (which was completely understandable)
ASapsFables
At the onset of this offseason I had thought Yasiel Puig would be a good fit for the White Sox as the best right-fielder available in free agency. They had a glaring hole at the position in 2019 although it was also clear the front office was seeking a left-handed bat as well to help balance out a lineup that leaned heavily right-handed. The only proven lefty slugging RF bat in free agency belonged to aging veteran Kole Calhoun so the White Sox instead turned their attention to the trade market and acquired 24-year old Rangers corner OF Nomar Mazara.
Puig seemed to make sense for the White Sox with their excellent history of Cuban players dating back to Minnie Minoso. Minoso was not only known as the ‘Cuban Comet’ but eventually earned the nickname of ‘Mr. White Sox’ as well. That history has continued throughout and is flourishing with their current roster that features four Cuban national starters in 1B Jose Abreu, C Yasmani Grandal, 3B Yoan Moncada and CF Luis Robert. The opening in RF seemed to be a good fit for both the team and Puig
Before the Mazara trade I had believed that clubhouse leader Abreu and former Dodgers teammate Grandal could help keep Puig in check as big brother type influences, along with bilingual manager Rick Renteria who has his own hispanic roots The White Sox current front office had also reportedly pursued Puig in the past as a trade target when he was a member of the Dodgers.
I suspect the White Sox vetted Puig this offseason through Abreu and Grandal and perhaps didn’t like what they heard. Of course, the possibility of Puig demanding a higher AAV multiple year contract earlier this offseason might have influenced their decision to pursue Mazara instead, especially since they were also prioritizing a lefty bat. Either way, adding veteran FA right-handed hitting slugger Edwin Encarnacion to become their primary DH all but ended the possibility of Puig joining the White Sox this offseason. Mazara was a possibility to fill that role as well as a defensively challenged RF who rakes against RHP but struggles mightily versus southpaws.
I suppose there still might be an avenue for Puig with the White Sox if the front office had one more significant move in them before opening day, namely a trade that might free up a spot for him. They might also consider adding Puig well into spring training if the team has injury or production issues during camp. My guess is that Puig will have signed with some other team by then.
Fuck Me Bitch
Personality issues aside, over the last 5 years Puig is a 2.0 WAR player. Coupled with the personality issues, this raises legitimate questions about his worth.
SG
Here we go again.
The mention of Betts elicits frantic responses with mere crumbs of information.
What will they do?
If everyone knows Betts is a star “now” then why isn’t anyone willing to give up prospects for a bird in the hand for one sure year of Betts in exchange for two or more maybe’s?
Or conversely why don’t the Red Sox just keep Betts and maybe they’ll be in the race?
If they’re not then trade Betts at the trade deadline?
Don’t they simply see they need to get a good enough offer now in exchange for reducing their chances of making the playoffs in 2020 by trading Betts now?
Logic would tell you it has to be one of the above choices.
They can still try and sign Betts again in the 2020 – 2021 off season.
The emotional attachment to a player needs to be severed.
It’s a business.
homerheins
Puig is not signed because of his reputation to disrupt a clubhouse and he has not performed well enough for teams to disregard that major blemish. Someone, probably the Marlins, Rays, Indians, Rangers, or Athletics will get a one year discounted contract for him to regain his value.
A'sfaninLondonUK
Much though I enjoy watching Puig’s talent and his own brand of tomfoolery he is a million miles removed from the type of “gamer” that the A’s front office have demanded in the past few years….
DTD_ATL
I can’t see why anyone would want him to be honest. He brings very little to the table except for his sideshow mentality.
Deleted Userrr
Didn’t the Reds really want to extend him during the season? Why haven’t they signed him yet? It evidently wouldn’t cost much.
trf000
The Reds have like 19 OF’s right now. And Puig did not hit well in Cincinnati outside June I think. He’s a good bet to rebound and OPS .820+ though.
I can see the Cardinals getting him to replace Ozuna or the Rangers who missed out on Castellanos. The Giants maybe, but SD could fail to land Betts and decide they want some of Puig.
mistry gm
No they didn’t.
hexum311
Since the Yankees got rid of Elsbury’s bad contract. It’d make sense for them to replace it with another bad one? Seems like something they’d do.
Tim14
Al Avila needs to drop the pizza and go get Puig. When you say you’re done with the team tear down and still won’t address a position of need, and most importantly create a lineup that can score some runs, what exactly are you doing until the young guys are “ready”?
Confortoismyspiritanimal
Perennial under-performer and overall donkey behind.
275 avg and 20 HR is not worth the headache.
ramon garciaparra
He should go to Detroit or Baltimore. They are going to lose 100 games anyway and it’s not like he’d be blocking a decent prospect from playing time. Those teams are so bad they could use his distractions if only to generate some interest and maybe he hits a home run once in a while.