Former Dodgers Fan Favorite Yasiel Puig Attempting MLB Comeback
Yasiel Puig had a breakout rookie season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013. However, he has not been seen in an MLB game since 2019.
The Cuban outfielder slashed a career-best .319/.391/.534 with a .925 OPS, contributing to a second-place finish in the 2013 NL Rookie of the Year voting. He played six seasons with the Dodgers before playing with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians in 2019.
Legal trouble and an MLB suspension quickly began to taint Puig’s reputation in the Major Leagues.
More news: Dodgers Make Trade, Acquire Outfielder Esteury Ruiz From Athletics
In his final MLB season, Puig received a two-game suspension for his involvement in a fight during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. Then, Puig faced multiple sexual assault allegations and reports that he placed wagers on an illegal sports betting operation in 2022.
He elected free agency after the 2019 season but has not signed a contract with another MLB team. Now, Puig is making his plea for a second chance at an MLB career.
“I hope that one day @mlb I can have the opportunities opened up for me like they have for others who have failed,” Puig wrote on X in a post translated from Spanish to English. “Many will say things about me that aren’t true, but I ask that you look at something: I have never been suspended for reasons outside of the field. I ask that justice be done one day. I will never give up.”
Puig was never officially banned from MLB. But his inability to land a deal with an MLB team has forced the 2014 NL All-Star to play baseball in international leagues in Mexico, Venezuela, and South Korea.
The Atlanta Braves were reportedly planning to sign Puig to a free agent contract in 2020. However, Puig tested positive for COVID-19 and the deal fell through.
As he awaits an opportunity to return to the Major Leagues, Puig has announced he will play with the Kiwoom Heroes for the 2025 season in South Korea.
More news: Dodgers All-Star Planning on Using New Torpedo Bats That Yankees Made Famous
Photo Credit: Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!
