Dodgers News: Yasiel Puig Switches Agents, Signs With Wasserman Group
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig has had a whirlwind time in less than a year at the big league level. The 23-year-old Cuban outfielder signed with the Dodgers in June of 2012 for seven years and $42 million. Many questioned the Dodgers shelling out that much money, but they reaped the benefits in his rookie season.
Puig’s agent, Jaime Torres, also represents Cuban players Alexi Ramirez, Aledmys Diaz and Dariel Alvarez. However, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Puig has decided to change representation:
Sources: #Dodgers OF Yasiel Puig has signed with Adam Katz and Andy Mota of Wasserman Media Group.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 7, 2014
Wasserman also represents #Dodgers’ Hanley Ramirez and Kenley Jansen as well as Utley, Stanton, Darvish, Cespedes and others.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 7, 2014
No reason has been given for the switch, but the influence of having two teammates with the agency might’ve weighed heavily with the second year player. Not to mention countryman Yoenis Cespedes is also represented by Katz and the Wasserman Group.
There was also news last season when the Dodgers were in New York that Roc Nation, the sports agency ran by rapper Jay-Z was looking to sway Puig away from Torres. In July of last year, Puig signed with Radegon Sports Management to handle his off the field interests as he signed an endorsement deal with Italian sunglass company Rudy Project.
Katz negotiated Kenley Jansen’s arbitration deal this off-season, but it’ll be Hanley Ramirez’s contract status that’ll have Dodger fans interested. Ramirez has stated several times that he wants to retire a Dodger and both sides want a deal to be made.
Puig will be eligible for a new deal at age 27 and after the 2018 season as Wasserman Media Group will negotiate another big payday for the slugging outfielder.
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