The Atlanta Braves are signing Yasiel Puig, bringing in the former All-Star outfielder and the top remaining free agent before the 2020 MLB season begins.
Atlanta Braves sign Yasiel Puig
While the Braves came into camp happy with their outfield, things changed after veteran outfielder Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season. Fortunately for Atlanta, Puig remained available in free agency and the team is now signing him to its MLB roster.
Puig, one of the game’s most exciting personalities, joins a club with World Series aspirations this year. Even before signing the former All-Star outfielder, the Braves were favored to win the NL East and were viewed as a top-five team in baseball.
Yasiel Puig’s stats prove he can make huge impact
While Puig comes with a reputation for being eccentric, the 29-year-old outfielder remains a very productive player. Despite spending the majority of his 2019 season in a below-average lineup, Puig still put up solid numbers.
During the 2019 season, he posted a .297/.377/.423 slash line in 49 games after being traded to the Cleveland Indians. Before the deal, Puig hit 22 home runs in 100 games with the Cincinnati Reds.
He was even better in 2018, posting a .820 OPS with 21 doubles and 23 home runs across 405 at-bats with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Puig’s best season came in 2017, when he smashed 28 home runs, stole 15 bases and posted a .833 OPS across 152 games.
Now in Atlanta, Puig should see time in the corner outfield and at designated hitter. If Freddie Freeman can make a fully recovery from COVID-19, the Braves could have an outstanding lineup and will be a legit World Series contender.