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Yasiel Puig would be interesting buy low option for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Cincinnati Reds right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) poses for a portrait on picture day, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Cincinnati Reds spring training facility in Goodyear, Arizona.Cincinnati Reds Picture Day 2019 2 19 2019
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) poses for a portrait on picture day, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Cincinnati Reds spring training facility in Goodyear, Arizona.Cincinnati Reds Picture Day 2019 2 19 2019 /
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The Oakland A’s are not going to be spending much money in free agency. This would be the case even if they were not going to be looking to sell anyone possible. However, with their expected impending fire sale, the A’s are aiming to have a payroll that would essentially be the cost of one Max Scherzer.

Even with that desire to cut payroll, the A’s are still going to need to spend some money. Their farm system simply does not have enough major league ready options to fill out the roster. Chances are, the A’s will be looking for some low cost options in free agency. There would be some interesting options in that group, such as Yasiel Puig.

Oakland A’s should take a look at Yasiel Puig

The Cuban outfielder was expected to become a star when he signed with the Dodgers in 2012. While he never lived up to expectations, he produced a solid .277/.348/.475 batting line in his 3376 plate appearances, hitting 132 homers and 159 doubles. Puig is also just 31 years old and should still be in his prime.

There are extenuating circumstances as to why Puig would be inexpensive. He has not appeared in the majors since 2019, having his 2020 contract voided by the Braves when he tested positive for COVID and spending 2021 in Mexico. As it currently stands, his best offer for next season may be coming from the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korean Baseball Organization.

This is due to how Puig is perceived by front offices around the game. The tempermental outfielder has a flair for flamboyance on the diamond which rubs traditionalists the wrong way. He has also been in the middle of several benches clearing incidents, including two in Mexico when one would imagine he would be on his best behavior in an attempt to return to the majors.

But this could work to the A’s advantage. Puig would not likely cost much to bring back to the majors. His attitude would also be something that the A’s could use, as they were far too flat last year once Chris Bassitt was injured and Ramon Laureano was suspended. Puig’s fire would benefit the entire roster.

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The Oakland A’s are going to need some inexpensive options when it comes to filling out the roster. Yasiel Puig could be an intriguing fit.