As the Miami Marlins continue to explore potential options for outfield upgrades, the team reportedly met this week with free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Miami spent time at the winter meetings to meet with Puig. The club also met with agents of outfielders Avisaíl García and Corey Dickerson.
Puig is coming off a 2019 season that saw him split time between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. He posted a .252/.302/.458 slash line with a .777 OPS in Cincinnati.
After being traded to Cleveland in a three-team deal, and fighting in his last moment with the Reds, Puig posted a .297/.377/.423 slash line with a .800 OPS in 49 games for the Indians. He combined for 24 home runs and 84 RBI across 555 at-bats between the two teams.
Of course, the fit is particularly surprising given his history with manager Don Mattingly. Given the shaky relationship between the two during their time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which included multiple benchings, the reunion in itself would make the Marlins a fascinating team in 2020.