What’s the hardest thing for an athlete? Ask a hundred people, and you might get a hundred different answers. But if there’s one thing that stings the most, it’s being forced to stay away from the sport you’ve poured your heart and soul into. Just ask former Dodgers star Yasiel Puig. It’s been nearly five years since he last played in Major League Baseball, and for a player who once electrified the field with his power and passion, that absence feels like an eternity. And now? He just wants one thing—another shot at the game he loves.
The 34-year-old Puig is a seven-year veteran of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Guardians. Bursting into the scene in 2013, Puig produced a 4.7 WAR in just 104 Games for the Dodgers. He did not look back since then and remained with the team for five more seasons, garnering 108 home runs and 331 RBIs and proving his mettle. However, he has failed to get a deal from any team since 2019 when he batted a combined .267 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs across 149 games with the Reds and the Indians. And now, he desires to return.
In a statement shared on X by MLB Insider Héctor Gómez, Yasiel Puig reportedly said, “I hope one day @MLB can open up opportunities for me like they’ve opened up for others who have been suspended. Many will say things about me that aren’t true, but I ask that you look at this: I’ve never been suspended for off-field reasons. I ask that justice be served one day. I will never give up.” But what exactly is he referring to?
Yasiel Puig reclama justicia y oportunidades en MLB tras la suspensión de Juhttps://t.co/A67OrZNVma
— Sportingo24 – Periódico Deportivo (@sportingo24) March 23, 2025
Well, the answer to that might not be clear, but Puig has found his name involved in several controversies. Puig was previously accused of multiple s—– a—— cases, which he has reportedly settled. Besides, he was also alleged to be involved in an illegal sports g——- operation, a charge that he has continued to deny.
Coming back to his latest plea, it is uncertain if the MLB teams will listen to his plea. But for now, Puig seems to be focusing on the sport from Korea.
Yasiel Puig signs with the South Korean team for the 2025 season
Yasiel Puig has failed to appear in Major League Baseball, but he has managed to get deals from other leagues. Notably, for the 2025 season, Puig will be playing for the Kiwoom Heroes. The information was shared by the star player himself on his social media in November last year. However, the deal has not come without a cost.
As part of his contract with the Heroes, Yasiel Puig had to leave his winter league team, Tiburones de La Guaira in Venezuela, owing to a request made by the Korean team. But this is not the first time he has engaged in such a partnership, as he signed a contract with the Kiwoom Heroes in 2022, Puig hit 21 home runs and had 73 RBIs to his name. In 2023, he played for El Aguila de Veracruz in the Mexican League and batted .314 with 18 home runs and 43 RBIs in 64 games.
Now, all eyes will be on the latest developments that will happen around Puig’s plea in the MLB. Will he get an offer from any of the franchises anytime soon? Well, only time will tell.
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