Even though it will be a shortened season, and revenues will be down across the league, the Braves are not messing around. Following Nick Markakis’ decision to opt-out because of the coronavirus, they have added outfielder Yasiel Puig.
Yasiel Puig is signing with the Braves, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 14, 2020
Puig has long been linked to the Braves, but it has never come to fruition for various reasons. The outfielder joins a loaded group, featuring Ronald Acuna, Ender Inciarte, Marcell Ozuna, and Adam Duvall. However, he will almost certainly play a role as a DH as well.
Last year, Puig hit .267 with 24 homers and a .785 OPS in 149 games split between the Reds and Indians. He has one All-Star appearance and a more than respectable .823 OPS over eight seasons in his career. However, the questions surrounding Puig have extended past the field and into the locker room.
That is something the Braves have avoided on their way to back-to-back NL East division titles, which is why many speculated if this move would ever happen. Nevertheless, despite Puig’s sometimes questionable antics, his love for the game and winning has never been in doubt. He joins a clubhouse with a bunch of lively personalities, including Acuna, Albies, and Ozuna. If Puig ever wants to land another lucrative contract, helping the Braves to another division title would go along way in that regard.
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