Skip to content

Report: Braves to sign Yasiel Puig

Victor Decolongon / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Atlanta Braves are signing free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Puig will have to complete a physical before the contract is finalized, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic notes.

The move comes not long after veteran outfielder Nick Markakis decided to opt out of the 2020 season.

Atlanta was apparently prompted to ink Puig after top outfield prospect Cristian Pache suffered an ankle injury on Monday night, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Puig, 29, spent the 2019 season between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. He hit .267/.327/.458 with 24 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases in 149 games. However, his power was sapped after being traded to Cleveland midseason, hitting only two homers in 49 games down the stretch.

"The Wild Horse" would join Ronald Acuna Jr., Marcell Ozuna, and Ender Inciarte as the Braves' primary outfield options entering the season.

Prior to landing with the Braves, Puig had recently received a contract offer from the Baltimore Orioles. The Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and Tampa Bay Rays were among the teams linked to the former All-Star, but he remained unsigned through initial training camps.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox