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Braves To Sign Yasiel Puig

By Steve Adams | July 14, 2020 at 5:35pm CDT

5:35pm: Puig agreed to a one-year deal with Atlanta, per Charles Odum and Ben Walker of the Associated Press.

2:50pm: The Braves have agreed to a deal, pending a physical, with free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports (via Twitter). The agreement brings to a close a lengthy free-agent saga for the mercurial Puig, who is a known commodity for Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos (formerly the Dodgers’ VP of baseball operations). Puig is represented by the Beverly Hills Sports Council.

Yasiel Puig | David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

Puig, 29, was the most prominent name among unsigned free agents, having gone the entire offseason without agreeing to a deal and then enduring a league-wide transaction freeze during the pandemic that further slowed his path to a team. He reportedly received offers from the Marlins and Orioles along the way — as well as some interest from the Korea Baseball Organization — but Puig never found an offer to his liking it seems. It’s doubtful that he’ll command the sizable multi-year deal he sought over the winter in this new arrangement with Atlanta, but he’ll join a club with obvious postseason aspirations.

The Braves, of course, just lost one notable outfield option last week when veteran Nick Markakis announced that he will not play in 2020. Puig will give the Braves another accomplished bat who offered similar production to Markakis in 2019. While the Atlanta outfield was already largely set with Marcell Ozuna, Ender Inciarte and Ronald Acuna Jr., the addition of Puig will allow the Braves to rotate all their corner-outfield options (also including Adam Duvall) through left field, right field and DH while keeping everyone fresh. Acuna can also play center field in place of Inciarte, so we’ll surely see days where Ozuna, Acuna and Puig are lined up left-to-right in the outfield — perhaps with Duvall at designated hitter.

Puig split the 2019 season between Ohio’s two clubs, opening the year with the Reds before being moved to the Indians — while in the midst of an on-field brawl, no less — in the three-team blockbuster that sent Trevor Bauer to Cincinnati. While he was generally a solid bat, his offensive output didn’t quite mirror his past standards. Puig appeared in 149 games and, in 611 plate appearances, batted .267/.327/.458 with 24 long balls — albeit just two following his trade to Cleveland. In a season that saw enormous spikes in offensive output thanks to the altered composition of the ball, Puig’s line checked in right about at the league average (101 wRC+, 100 OPS+). That lines up quite similarly with Markakis (102 wRC+, 98 OPS+) but falls well shy of 2017-18, when Puig was roughly 20 percent better than a league-average hitter.

Given the difference in age, though, there’s more reason to expect a rebound out of Puig than there would’ve been from the 36-year-old Markakis. Adding Puig and Ozuna to an already strong core won’t make up for the loss of Josh Donaldson, but it’ll give the Braves an unquestionably deep reservoir of bats from which to draw as they look to nail down a third straight NL East division title.

From a defensive standpoint, Puig played an average right field last year according to each of Defensive Runs Saved, Ultimate Zone Rating and Outs Above Average. His glovework in the past has ranged from passable to excellent in any given year, depending on one’s preferred metric. At the very least, though, it’s reasonable to expect Puig to be at least an average bat and an average corner defender, making him a nice pickup for Atlanta.

The Braves initially announced 56 players in their 60-man player pool for the 2020 season, although both Markakis and veteran right-hander Felix Hernandez can be subtracted from that number after opting out of the season. Atlanta has also had four players, including cornerstone Freddie Freeman, test positive for COVID-19. If any are placed on the IL as a result, they won’t count against the player pool. Even with no IL placements and after adding Bryce Ball to the player pool recently, the Braves will have space in their 60-man pool for Puig. The Braves also had a vacancy on their 40-man roster, so no corresponding move will need to be made to accommodate Puig’s presence on the roster.

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Atlanta Braves Newsstand Transactions Yasiel Puig

Players Opting Out Of The 2020 Season
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Royals Activate Salvador Perez
175 comments
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Comments

  1. DarkSide830

    6 months ago

    a surprise but makes sense

    10 Like
    Reply
    • Francys01Francys08

      6 months ago

      Wow, the Braves just got better. This is a team that wants to win just like the Dodgers. Great move by them.

      8 Like
      Reply
      • drewskis86

        6 months ago

        pache hurtself is why they signed him

        Like
        Reply
        • braveshomer

          6 months ago

          ahh really?! you literally burst my bubble of excitement within the same breath….dang it! what happened to Pache?!

          Like
          Reply
        • WarkMohlers

          6 months ago

          Thankfully that injury wasn’t as bad as originally thought just a jam. I am looking forward to seeing what pache can do out there.

          Braves only had 7 outfielders before Kakes opted out. I imagine the pache injury and the desire to keep Ozuna at DH led to this.

          Like
          Reply
        • jhawk1000

          6 months ago

          hard slide into 2nd, hurt his ankle

          Like
          Reply
        • ffjsisk

          6 months ago

          I don’t think the plan involved Pache this year. His offensive profile is nowhere near Puig’s anyways. Not to mention Puig plays good defense and has a lazer arm. Definite upgrade. I envision a lot of Acuna, Ozuna, and Puig sharing the outfield.

          Like
          Reply
        • Steve Nebraska

          6 months ago

          Define “Good”?

          2 Like
          Reply
        • RunDMCRunDMC

          6 months ago

          Nowhere near…? That could be a good thing. Sure, Puig has a decent floor, but you’d know Pache would provide better than Puig’s average defense (not to mention his sometimes baffling lapses). I’d imagine Puig would also provide more power, but Pache’s power has been trending up (including a HR in the intrasquad game he tweaked his ankle in). I would be most concerned with Pache’s strikeouts, though Puig can have a lot. I’d see similar amount of SBs,, though that’s still a work in progress for Pache, as he has a lot of raw speed that needs work on the basepaths.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • WarkMohlers

          6 months ago

          I dont think Pache would have gotten much time, but I think he would get some time out there.

          Puig does have a cannon arm, but his defense hasnt been great in recent years. If we run Ozuna and Puig at the corners every night I will definitely be worried. I know Inciarte and Duvall are more than suitable defensive replacements, but I doubt they keep those two in that role full time. I think Ozuna at DH more often improves the lineup and defense. But, how everything is managed will definitely be interesting because of Riley and Camargo being in the mix for at bats.

          Of course the most major league caliber hitters will only be a positive this year with covid cases likely causing lineup disruptions.

          Like
          Reply
        • Appalachian_Outlaw

          6 months ago

          I’m not sure Pache’s injury had that large of an impact. Pache has a great glove. It’s Big League ready yesterday. There’s no guarantee on the bat, though. I can’t imagine AA was counting on him this season when what they need is to replace lost offense.

          Like
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        • ffjsisk

          6 months ago

          Pache has a chance to be great, but he had a career year with the batlast year and only hit .277/.340/.462 with 11 homers. 8 steals with 11 CS. Not a great offensive profile. Looks like a guy we have already in Ender. Puig is way better right now.

          Like
          Reply
        • Brandon Sans

          6 months ago

          People tend to hyperbolize prospects all the time and Pache’s claim to fame is his glove. Multiple reports have said he’s got the best glove in the entire organization right now. I’m hoping that’s true.

          Like
          Reply
        • UGA_Steve

          6 months ago

          I don’t envision Ozuna playing in the field more than once a week. He is terrible defensively.

          Inciarte, Acuna and Puig/Duvall will man the field. Interestingly enough, Puig actually has reverse splits and is much better against righties. That means he will be perfect for a semi-platoon with Duvall.

          Like
          Reply
      • Padres458

        6 months ago

        They are about where they would have been if Markakis didnt opt out.

        Like
        Reply
      • Tim_Buck-Two

        6 months ago

        Couldn’t agree more, AA doing great job

        Like
        Reply
    • Manfredsajoke

      6 months ago

      I’d much rather have Markakis. Hopefully 60 days isn’t enough for him to ruin Camargo/Acuña/Albies…..

      1 Like
      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        6 months ago

        like those who ruin his image by making bogus “bad influence” claims?

        Like
        Reply
        • KCJ

          6 months ago

          How do you know it’s “bogus”? I’m not saying that I know either way, but unless you’ve been on a team with him I don’t think you can fairly make that statement

          Like
          Reply
  2. halofanatic

    6 months ago

    Yay! Finally!

    1 Like
    Reply
  3. rubixcube200

    6 months ago

    Woah

    Like
    Reply
  4. bravesfan

    6 months ago

    I SO CALLED THIS!

    Like
    Reply
    • clepto

      6 months ago

      You must be nostradaumus. I am impressed.

      Like
      Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-cristia…

      Pache is day to day. He’s fine. That’s not why the Braves picked up Puig.

      2 Like
      Reply
  5. sf giants mania

    6 months ago

    THANK GOD, I wanted him no where NEAR the giants

    3 Like
    Reply
    • Baseball 1600

      6 months ago

      Heliot Ramos will be better anyway

      Like
      Reply
      • Steve Nebraska

        6 months ago

        If he starts actually hitting baseballs

        2 Like
        Reply
    • nowheretogobutup

      6 months ago

      He could be a distraction but with a short season maybe not as bad as the longer season. Hopefully his attitude is better now that he’s been humbled on a long time coming for someone to sign him.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Brandon Sans

        6 months ago

        Yep. Honestly it’s the equivalent of a deadline acquisition in terms of games.

        Like
        Reply
    • HateSpeechisFake

      6 months ago

      Short season will help. He won’t have the opportunity to alienate his team.

      1 Like
      Reply
  6. Red Eye

    6 months ago

    If Markakis doesn’t opt out this doesn’t happen

    2 Like
    Reply
    • slowcurve

      6 months ago

      If the sun doesn’t come up it will be dark.

      13 Like
      Reply
      • braveshomer

        6 months ago

        lol

        Like
        Reply
      • socalblakesocalblake

        6 months ago

        Hahahahah, good one.

        Like
        Reply
    • solaris602

      6 months ago

      Totally agree. Should be interesting to see a lineup that includes Puig and Ozuna.

      Like
      Reply
      • RunDMCRunDMC

        6 months ago

        Combine that with Ronald and I only wish ATL would meet ARZ and see MadBum’s head explode trying to enforce unwritten rules.

        Like
        Reply
      • bigjonliljon

        6 months ago

        Could be a good move, yes. Depends on 2 things –
        1 – the contract
        2 – his reputation of being a poor clubhouse guy/clubhouse cancer

        Time will tell…..

        2 Like
        Reply
        • Alex Marko

          6 months ago

          I haven’t anything from players or writers concerning him being a clubhouse cancer. The only time it comes is with posters.

          Like
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        • Cosmodeus

          6 months ago

          Plenty of players, writers, coaches have complained about his attitude. Fans are not just making this up. That being said, those complaints were some time ago, he’s probably matured.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • Stevil

          6 months ago

          Alex, there have been a ton of reports about altercations with teammates. Where have you been!?

          One of the most famous incidents was Greinke throwing his bags off the bus. Kershaw and Turner were a couple of others known to have had trouble with Puig.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • fox471

          6 months ago

          He is a team cancer. Good luck!

          1 Like
          Reply
        • ImAdude

          6 months ago

          You know he’s a cancer how? Media tell you that? Boy that sounds familiar. Media talks and people absorb it all as truth.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • nowheretogobutup

          6 months ago

          If you haven’t heard about his antics then you haven’t been watching baseball

          2 Like
          Reply
        • Stevil

          6 months ago

          Players themselves have discussed it with the media, dude.

          I’ll trust professional sources–players, journalists, or otherwise–over a random commenter every time.

          Like
          Reply
        • Alex Marko

          6 months ago

          Name one of those people that said that.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          6 months ago

          Yoenis Cespedes said he’d rather never play with Puig. Why are you questioning this? Players and coaches have complained of his attitude in the past. It’s not some conspiracy.

          Like
          Reply
    • smytds

      6 months ago

      For sure. The East continues to get stronger

      Like
      Reply
    • LH

      6 months ago

      I know I’m a jerk.

      Thanks for the expert analysis.

      I’m so sorry.

      Like
      Reply
    • 48-team MLB

      6 months ago

      If you aren’t born then you won’t die.

      Like
      Reply
  7. Brandon Sans

    6 months ago

    I’ve been beating the drum that the Braves NEEDED a reliable 1-5 if they wanted to contend. Ideally, I would’ve like to see Donaldson and Ozuna in those 4-5 spots but Ozuna and Puig is good enough. The Braves were at their best last year that month Riley scorched the earth and briefly when Duvall raked in late July/early August. … Takes all the pressure off guys like Riley, Inciarte, Swanson, or Camargo to be key cogs.

    Probably similar to the Keuchel signing last season where AA didn’t love him, but he was out there and the price was right so he went for it. Great move to solidify the offense.

    Like
    Reply
    • Javia

      6 months ago

      This is funny. Puig has been sitting around waiting for a phone call. Any team who decided to pony up his asking price could have had him. In the real world that means he is not a difference maker. There is a reason, several actually, why he could not get a contract. I wouldn’t pin my hopes on him having much of an impact.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • RunDMCRunDMC

        6 months ago

        No one is etching his name in the WS trophy, but if he’s an upgrade over Kakes, while allowing Duvall to be freed up to possibly platoon with Riley at 1B, if Freeman misses any time, then it’s worth it. Don’t want to depend too much on Freeman, allowing him to ease back into things, which shouldn’t take much, if healthy.

        Like
        Reply
      • Brandon Sans

        6 months ago

        You’re comment sounds as if I or anyone is expecting Puig to come in and be an elite hitter. That’s not who is anymore, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact.

        Obviously, no team thought whatever his initial asking price was worth it. But the Braves added a good hitter with some pop. He doesn’t need to be an All-Star to be successful.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • Javia

          6 months ago

          I was speaking more to Francy and Tbone.

          Like
          Reply
      • Appalachian_Outlaw

        6 months ago

        Puig doesn’t instantly make them WS favorites, I’ll grant you, Javia. He probably doesn’t really move the needle a ton. He’s a league average ball player.

        He IS an upgrade over Markakis, though. So from that point of view, he moves the needle some. So by definition, he is a difference maker- even if the difference may be small. He’s at least capable of hitting the ball out of the yard, which is needed.

        There’s no Donaldson this year, and no Freeman for awhile. Ozuna makes up some of that, but not nearly as much as needed. Puig will help, even if I’m not his biggest fan.

        Like
        Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          6 months ago

          Outlaw, that’s a very reasonable take. I think too many here think he’s a borderline all-star but he’s just a league average player. There’s a reason he’s gone unsigned so long and that reason ain’t his personality. Decent pick up for the Braves but he won’t move the needle any more than any other last minute scrap heap signing.

          2 Like
          Reply
        • SalaryCapMyth

          6 months ago

          LOL! There are far to many reasonable Braves fans on this article. I was going to respond to Jav as well with more reasonable expectations like Sans and Outlaw but I see I am not needed here. =D

          2 Like
          Reply
        • Javia

          6 months ago

          I agree with you Outlaw, Cosmodeus and SalaryCapMyth. He may be better than Markakis and yes he will likely be an improvement for the Braves. It just seemed like fans were going crazy when this thread first opened.

          Like
          Reply
    • bhambrave

      6 months ago

      Puig and Reliable don’t exactly go together.

      Like
      Reply
      • Brandon Sans

        6 months ago

        Things I believe we can rely on Puig: Average hitter, good pop, good base running, great arm, decent fielder, can get on teammates nerves

        Like
        Reply
        • The Human Rain Delay

          6 months ago

          I like Puig but dont count on the good base running

          Fun for the fans, but he probably cost you more outs on the paths than any runner in the league

          That freakin arm though, Insane-

          Like
          Reply
  8. MetsFan22

    6 months ago

    Mets fans aren’t worried at all

    Like
    Reply
    • Bill M

      6 months ago

      Mets fan here. I’m more afraid of Markakis, a Met killer. So as far as I’m concerned, the Braves did NOT just get better.

      Like
      Reply
      • MetsFan22

        6 months ago

        I agree. That’s why I said it. Markakis was a avg hitter at best and he killed us for some reason

        Like
        Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      I imagine Mets fans aren’t worried about Puig at all. At this point, Mets fans should should be more concerned with Mets players stumbling over their own feet and Metsing everything up before they even need to concern themselves with the beating they’re going to take from OTHER teams players.

      Like
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      • MetsFan22

        6 months ago

        I’m not worried at all… bunch of good players on our team… why would they mess up? Are you just following a false narrative. Anyways when Cohen buys us we will start to spend like the dodgers and yanks and perform like them

        Like
        Reply
        • SalaryCapMyth

          6 months ago

          Keep the faith brother. The Mets manage to not make the playoffs year after year..but THIS year…

          Like
          Reply
        • MetsFan22

          6 months ago

          This about the narrative the you follow that doesn’t exist. When the Mets make the playoffs this year.. they would have made it 3 out of 6 years. And in 19 they they won 86 in the hardest division in baseball with a young club.

          Like
          Reply
        • SalaryCapMyth

          6 months ago

          Huh..I wonder who won that division..you know, the hardest one..in 2019?

          So..you don’t get to accuse me of buying into false neratives when you try to disprove it by exaggerating. The Mets won a division in 2015 and the division in 16. That’s 2/6 if we do the math your way. Or you could say it was twice in the last 13 seasons and that would also be correct.

          But hey, as long as you can exaggerate your claims, you can defeat the false naratives. But before you go proving false naratives wrong, you might want to consider that all this information is readily available. For example, you want to see how often the Mets have made the playoffs;

          espn.com/mlb/history/teams/_/team/NYM

          Is one place you can look.

          Like
          Reply
        • MetsFan22

          6 months ago

          Bro I said when they make it this year….. do you need reading lessons?? 15,16,20 is 3 years….

          And I said I’m not scare do puig….. not the Braves. The Braves are a good team… but any Braves fan that is assuming they’ll win the division is dumb…. anyone could win the division this year but the marlins… the Braves could finish 4th this year… if it happens I’ll laugh at all the cocky Braves fans I see here.

          Like
          Reply
        • jbigz12

          6 months ago

          Due to the short season, the division really is a toss up.

          1 Like
          Reply
    • Questionable_Source

      6 months ago

      Why would the Mets be worried? This shouldn’t really affect their quest to hold on to 3rd in the East.

      Like
      Reply
  9. tbone0816

    6 months ago

    Braves a true WS Contender!!

    1 Like
    Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      6 months ago

      I think they already were before this. That rotation could be the best outside of Washington if they continue to improve and they have lots of talent already on the field. Acuna could be one of the 5 best players in baseball this year. Puig helps, sure, but I believe they were already playoff-bound and well-enough equipped to take on just about anyone.

      1 Like
      Reply
  10. sherlock_

    6 months ago

    This will be a huge difference I can already see him helping them down the stretch

    1 Like
    Reply
  11. gozurman1

    6 months ago

    True to form, the local Pittsburgh sports talk guys are already crying that they should have signed Puig so that they could trade him after a few weeks. These fools forget that a player has to agree to sign a contract with any team and no team can just go sign any free agent any time they choose to. smh.

    4 Like
    Reply
    • gozurman1

      6 months ago

      ***That the Pirates should have signed Puig^^^^^^^^

      Like
      Reply
  12. lawduckfan

    6 months ago

    “Siri, what is the clubhouse opposite of Nick Markakis?”

    12 Like
    Reply
    • jaytai7918

      6 months ago

      Like
      Reply
    • Losbravos69

      6 months ago

      Comment of the day

      1 Like
      Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      Man. Good job. I’m not being sarcastic. Your statement captures what should be our biggest concern. The Braves Clubhouse culture is going to get challenged.

      But something that is encouraging is, Puig can’t possibly miss the reason why his market has been so dry. He has to want this deal to work out because the only teams interested in him were the Marlins and Orioles; two last place teams who would use him to kill time and take up space until their rebuild displaces him. Only after the Braves took several key losses did they look at Puig. That’s a loud message. Puig has to want this contract work out.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • formegn hardgin

        6 months ago

        Whether the concerns about Puig’s attitude are overblown or not…there’s not going to be much of a clubhouse this year.

        Like
        Reply
      • prov356

        6 months ago

        Myth – I believe if it were anyone else, they would have been humbled. I think Puig’s “self-reflect” button has been broken for many years. I hope I’m wrong. I’m glad it’s a one year deal so the Braves can move on if Puig is Puig.

        Like
        Reply
    • braveshomer

      6 months ago

      it’s a well known fact that Puig behaves perfectly the first 60 games of each season….games 61 and beyond? ehh maybe or maybe not??

      Like
      Reply
  13. bobulated

    6 months ago

    One of Joe Simpson’s “favorite” players. It will be fun to hear Joe twist himself into a pretzel praising a guy he’s bagged on for so long now that Puig wears the right laundry.

    Like
    Reply
  14. DTD_ATL

    6 months ago

    Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    2 Like
    Reply
    • braveshomer

      6 months ago

      Yeeeeeessssss!!!!!!!

      Like
      Reply
  15. DarkSide830

    6 months ago

    sadly not going to face MadBum this year.

    Like
    Reply
  16. azbraves20

    6 months ago

    Really interesting outfield/DH mix.
    Acuna, Duvall, Puig, Ozuna, Inciarte and then throw in the mix of Camargo/Culberson for some at bats.
    Curious to see if they use Inciarte and Duvall as defensive replacements and/or try and split innings and at bats.

    Just need Freeman and Hamels to come back healthy and ready to go.
    60 game sprint.

    Like
    Reply
  17. Losbravos69

    6 months ago

    This should be interesting.

    Like
    Reply
  18. bjhaas1977

    6 months ago

    Let that cancer eat them up from the inside.

    Like
    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      I know you are anything but a Braves fan but that’s my biggest concern.

      Like
      Reply
  19. stretch123

    6 months ago

    Hopefully Acuna doesn’t pick up any bad habits from him.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • bobtillman

      6 months ago

      Hopefully Puig doesn’t up any of Acuna’s had habbits

      Like
      Reply
      • Steve Nebraska

        6 months ago

        Hopefully Acuna doesn’t pick up any bad hobbits.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • gozurman1

          6 months ago

          Define “bad” :)

          Like
          Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          6 months ago

          Define “hobbit”

          Like
          Reply
        • Dorothy_Mantooth

          6 months ago

          The wife of Kanye West?

          Like
          Reply
        • hyraxwithaflamethrower

          6 months ago

          Yeah, he needs to stick with the good ones, like Sam and Frodo.

          Like
          Reply
        • 48-team MLB

          6 months ago

          There should be an expansion team called the Hobbits.

          Like
          Reply
        • Tyler Durden

          6 months ago

          Shirely you jest!?

          Like
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        • jhawk1000

          6 months ago

          Don’t call me Shirley! Laverne okay

          Like
          Reply
  20. jgr0848

    6 months ago

    We got better on the field but got worse in the dugout!!!!

    1 Like
    Reply
    • MWeller77

      6 months ago

      Fortunately for you, games are not played in the dugout

      Like
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  21. bobtillman

    6 months ago

    Hopefully Puig doesn’t up any of Acuna’s had habbits

    Like
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  22. dazhk

    6 months ago

    This isn’t going to end well.

    Like
    Reply
  23. CNichols

    6 months ago

    Wasn’t really expecting this but it makes way more sense than the rumor from this weekend of him signing with Baltimore. Seems like a year where depth is going to be important

    Like
    Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      6 months ago

      It’s a good deal for both. Puig gets another chance to prove he can be a team player, and the Braves get a nice depth piece who won’t block their talented OF talent in later years. I like this move for Atlanta.

      Like
      Reply
  24. kodion

    6 months ago

    I wonder if Braves marketing will have The Bat-Licker front and center, like they did with The Bringer-of-Rain last year?

    Like
    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      ROFL! Bat licker front and center.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • BackatitBackatit

        6 months ago

        After watching my cat during the intra squad game on youtube bat licking doesnt seem so bad.

        Like
        Reply
    • bhambrave

      6 months ago

      I may have to listen to games on the radio.

      1 Like
      Reply
  25. satan

    6 months ago

    Very nice for atl, they will sell their soul for a top tier sp at the deadline and will play the Yankees in the 2020 world series

    Like
    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      You do not know the Braves at all! What was the last major trade the Braves were involved in, Miller for Season/Inciarte? Anthopoulos, good or bad, is not trading a significant package of prospects for anyone.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        6 months ago

        Blasted auto-correct. Season/Inciarte should be Swanson/Inciarte.

        Like
        Reply
  26. TheDayMILBDied

    6 months ago

    Subtraction by addition!

    2 Like
    Reply
  27. Thronson5

    6 months ago

    I love Puig, really happy for him! And even more happy it’s not with the Giants lol

    Like
    Reply
  28. 48-team MLB

    6 months ago

    CF) Acuna
    2B) Albies
    1B) Freeman
    LF) Ozuna
    RF) Puig
    DH) Riley
    C) d’Arnaud
    3B) Camargo
    SS) Swanson

    That’s a pretty good lineup and we can always rotate in DuVall, Inciarte, etc…

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Patches O'Houlihan

      6 months ago

      That is one heck of a lineup.

      Like
      Reply
      • MetsFan22

        6 months ago

        2nd best lineup in the NL east

        Like
        Reply
        • R.D.

          6 months ago

          The fact that I don’t know which lineup you things is better is probably not a good sign for you lol.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • formegn hardgin

          6 months ago

          I was gonna say the same…is it Philly? It’s not NY or WAS….

          Like
          Reply
        • MetsFan22

          6 months ago

          Mets is definitely better….

          Like
          Reply
        • MetsFan22

          6 months ago

          Offense only

          Acuna> conforto RF
          Nimmo> Inciarte CF
          Davis>Ozuna LF
          Ces>Riley DH
          McNeil> carmago 3B
          Rosario> Swanson SS
          Albies> cano
          Freeman> Alonso
          Ramos> tda

          That’s 6-3 Mets…..

          Freeman was even less productive than Alonso last year too. I think freeman is a better hitter but that’s just something I wanted to point out. That’s freeman is in his prime and Alonso had a more productive year his rookie season…

          Like
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        • 48-team MLB

          6 months ago

          When was the last time Cespedes was healthy? Also, Rosario, Ramos and Davis aren’t exactly light-years ahead of those guys. It’s a lot more even than you’re making it out to be.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          6 months ago

          As a Mets fan myself, I predict TdA will be better than Ramos

          Like
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        • Appalachian_Outlaw

          6 months ago

          I feel it’s closer to even than you have it. Like Cosmodeus, I think TDA outperforms Ramos at the dish, making it 5-4. I’m also not so sure that Rosario is that superior to Swanson with the bat. That could go either way, so I’d call it a push.

          I do think the gap is probably closer than some of my fellow Atlanta fans would care to admit. It’ll be a four team race, with the only club I’d throw out as having no shot being Miami. In a short season, who knows what will happen. This is unchartered water. If one or two guys go on an absolute tear, it’d be very easy to swing the division.

          Like
          Reply
        • MetsFan22

          6 months ago

          I could agree with you on that. Braves and Mets definitely have the two best lineup tho

          Like
          Reply
        • MetsFan22

          6 months ago

          Your right about Davis and Ramos. But I honestly think Rosario separates himself from Swanson offensively. Swanson is a way better fielder tho.

          Like
          Reply
  29. Patches O'Houlihan

    6 months ago

    Who wants to make bets when will Puig get suspended for violating the safety protocal?

    2 Like
    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      Legitimate concern, but Puig’s discipline issues are well known so I imagine the Braves at least addressed the issue. I know that’s not anything like a guarantee he won’t mess everything up but I also figured he wants the deal to work out also.

      Like
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  30. RickINcali

    6 months ago

    Pache and Puig both bat righthanded, Puig is really good against righthanded pitchers. He just became our best hitter against them. That’s why he was picked up by the Braves. This move came from Freeman and Markakis being out, more than Pache not being ready.

    Like
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  31. Dorothy_Mantooth

    6 months ago

    Savvy addition by the Braves. Puig knows very well that this year is extremely important for his future. His agent drilled this into his head in the offseason after the lack of interest in him. He should be laser focused and shouldn’t cause too much disruption in a 60 game, 2.5 month season. He’ll be on his best behavior and give every at bat his full attention with his eyes on a multi-year deal for 2021. He knows this could be his last chance to prove he’s worth a multi-year contract, so Atlanta should be getting the very best Puig has to offer. Very little down side to this deal at all.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • nowheretogobutup

      6 months ago

      Your hoping he’ll be on his best, but then there’s Puig, if you put tar on his bat he may stop licking it like an ice cream cone

      Like
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  32. hyraxwithaflamethrower

    6 months ago

    Really kind of a shame it took him this long to find a team. Just goes to show how big an issue his personality seems to be for teams. Plus defense, solid hitter, still young – all his problems are between his ears.

    Like
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    • Cosmodeus

      6 months ago

      He’s really not that solid of a hitter anymore if you look beyond traditional stats… scrap heap signing with slight potential to surprise. It’s not his reputation as a bad egg; it’s his reputation as an all star amongst fans. He hasn’t been that player in a long, long time.

      Like
      Reply
      • hyraxwithaflamethrower

        6 months ago

        OPS+ of 119 in 2017, 120 in 2018, and 100 in a down year of 2019. It hasn’t been that long since he was 20% better than average at the plate. It has been a while since he was a budding superstar. and I doubt he’ll ever be the player he could have been, but he can still be above average.

        One thing I do have to note is that I looked up his stats and his defense is right around average for his career. So passable, but I guess I shouldn’t have said plus.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          6 months ago

          Yea, you are correct, he has potential to be better than average with the bat. His D is not great but if runners are dumb enough to challenge his arm he could gun a few down. I think we agree on his value.

          Like
          Reply
    • nowheretogobutup

      6 months ago

      Maybe he’ll find the word humble in the dictionary could well be his last yr in baseball

      Like
      Reply
  33. GONEcarlo

    6 months ago

    Hey the free agent contest is now officially over

    1 Like
    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      6 months ago

      LOL! Someone cut this man’s pay to pro-rated for the season. That’ll teach him. =D

      Like
      Reply
  34. SalaryCapMyth

    6 months ago

    What I love about this. The Braves are at least trying. There weren’t great options left so they went and picked up the best of what was left.

    What I hate. Puig is a complete mystery box with the bat. Who knows what he is going to do. Then there is his impact on the clubhouse. The Braves clubhouse culture is going to get really challenged.

    The Braves were in a tough spot. They’ve lost their Captain and their depth has taken a beating as well so I obviously support the acquisition. In a normal world, this move doesn’t happen.

    Like
    Reply
  35. sportsguy24/7

    6 months ago

    Wise move by Puig to turn down the Orioles. What a cess pool of an organization that is.

    Like
    Reply
  36. Jeff Zanghi

    6 months ago

    I think Duvall could be a strong candidate to have a “breakout” season (if you can call it that, given that he has already had 2 seasons with 30+ HRs) but what I mean is… with the ability to stay fresh and rotate through DH, given how well he hit at AAA and then 10 HRs in 120 or so ML ABs last year — it could finally be the right circumstances for him to really take his game to the next level. He obviously has tremendous power and if he could just raise his BA/OBP a little bit, he could wind up being a really solid player for the Braves this year, and then going forward.

    Like
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  37. SalaryCapMyth

    6 months ago

    Found a report saying it’s just one year.

    wdef.com/2020/07/14/braves-reportedly-reach-one-ye….

    I’ll save the reader the suspense. It’s only an under the table report but it shouldn’t be unexpected. I am really curious about the contract details. Puig may have left greater money on the table to play with a contender. We’ll see.

    Like
    Reply
    • nowheretogobutup

      6 months ago

      I hear $2.5M for the short season that’s about right for this guy

      Like
      Reply
  38. basquiat

    6 months ago

    Somebody’s doing a favor for somebody, and neither is Puig.

    Like
    Reply
  39. HubcapDiamondStarHalo

    6 months ago

    Gonna be interesting to see how much the deal is for…

    Like
    Reply
    • nowheretogobutup

      6 months ago

      $2.5M

      Like
      Reply
  40. SoCalStuntman

    6 months ago

    Good signing, Braves. As long as one of the veterans puts him in place every now and then, he’ll be fine. He’s gonna display some stupid shenanigans but that veteran, or two, can end it quickly.

    Like
    Reply
  41. bhambrave

    6 months ago

    N000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like
    Reply
  42. bhambrave

    6 months ago

    Best case is that he’s the fifth OF and never gets into a game.

    Like
    Reply
  43. krillin89

    6 months ago

    In the scenario where you said ozuna, Acuña, Puig with Duvall at DH, wouldn’t it make more sense to have Duvall in the field in that scenario? Puig averages 0.0 dWAR a year

    Like
    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      6 months ago

      Puig or Osuna DHs and Inciarte is in center

      Like
      Reply
  44. toastyroasty

    6 months ago

    Of the list of teams that might have signed this guy, I would have put Atlanta near or at the very bottom. They have always been averse to dynamite in the dugout. This guy is nothing but trouble. But fun to watch! Like a train wreck! So who knows? Everybody likes a good train wreck every now and then!

    Like
    Reply
    • krillin89

      6 months ago

      Then why were guys like Charlie Culberson trying to recruit him?

      Like
      Reply
      • toastyroasty

        6 months ago

        I like Charlie as good as the next guy. He has a heart of gold and absolutely nobody tries harder but he is also not exactly an essential cog in this machine. I want to hear Freeman’s response to this. That will tell the tale

        Like
        Reply
  45. toastyroasty

    6 months ago

    I would pay good money to hear a conversation between Puig and Nick Markakis. Can you imagine? That would get real really quickly.

    Like
    Reply
  46. urban schocker

    6 months ago

    Rats, my least favorite baseball player playing for my Braves. Perhaps they brought him in so the Atlanta pitchers could work on brush back and beaning offerings with Puig’s melon as target.

    Guess I will hold my nose and hope he does not destroy Acuna and Albies with his cancer. Perhaps he will finally grow up and play like a winner for 60 games and playoffs or perhaps the Braves waive him before the playoffs if he does not perform or acts up.

    Like
    Reply
  47. neurogame

    6 months ago

    He’s got so much talent and strength. It’s a shame he went from being on the cover of MLB The Show to lurking for a one year deal. When he burst into the scene so many years ago, I never would have guessed Puig would be in this position as a free agent.

    Like
    Reply
    • bhambrave

      6 months ago

      The report was that he tried to get by on talent and didn’t work. That might be why he plateaued.

      Like
      Reply
  48. bravesfan

    6 months ago

    I want to see the $ associated with this deal….

    Like
    Reply
  49. BackatitBackatit

    6 months ago

    $6,750,000 prorated for 60/162 games will boil down to $2.5 million for one year with Braves holding an option for $8mil.

    Like
    Reply
    • bravesfan

      6 months ago

      What’s ur thoughts on that? 2.5 seems fine but then again… if I saw almost 7 mil for an entire season, I think I would have been a little upset. Unless he was expected to plat every day

      Like
      Reply
  50. DodgerOK

    6 months ago

    Is bat-licking prohibited this season?

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Lloyd Emerson

      6 months ago

      Depends on the bat.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • bravesfan

        6 months ago

        Yea, puig has started a new form of the #metoo movement… #batstoo

        Continuously violating the bats without consent is not ok…

        Like
        Reply
        • slowcurve

          6 months ago

          Jose Constanza bro. The original bat licker in Atlanta.

          Like
          Reply
  51. The Human Rain Delay

    6 months ago

    Great addition

    Freak>>>>Greek

    Pache was never breaking camp, as fans you shouldn’t even want him too for service time let alone he’s nowhere near ready- Gaining 9-12 lbs couldn’t him hurt either.

    Hope he recovers quickly though

    Like
    Reply
    • bhambrave

      6 months ago

      At this point I’m a little worried that he may have gained too much. He was looking a little thick last year.

      Like
      Reply
    • Alex Marko

      6 months ago

      Racist.

      Like
      Reply
  52. jhawk1000

    6 months ago

    I think most of can see the signing Puig doesn’t mean we’re immediately WS favorites. However a little quick compare does show that he makes us a little better. Markakis vs. Puig

    avg/obp- Nick
    ops+-Puig
    speed-Puig
    power-Puig
    arm strength-Puig, not even close
    ability to slow down runners going to 2nd or 3b-Puig
    BB- Nick
    SO-Nick
    SB-Puig
    Age-Puig

    Yes I did cherry pick a few data pieces, but my point is there is enough of an advantage by putting Puig in RF this season over Nick, that he should be able to help. I’m also aware when he was younger he had some issues that rubbed people the wrong way, I’m hopeful he’s figured a few things out as he’s gotten a little older. Overall I’m most excited to see him throw people out, because of his arm. To limit more base runners from taking the extra base. Things that for the last few years that no team was afraid to do with Nick out there.

    Like
    Reply
  53. WAH1447

    6 months ago

    Hey Puig you said you were coming for us

    Like
    Reply
  54. ScullyRocks

    6 months ago

    After his initial disappointing playoff plate appearances, Puig has become a proven playoff hitter, unlike Mookie Betts and A.J. Pollock.

    Like
    Reply
  55. MarlinsFanBase

    6 months ago

    Now that Puig is signed, when will the Free Agent Contest be officially updated?

    Like
    Reply

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