Dodgers Rumors: Is Yasiel Puig close to signing with the Giants?

Former Los Angeles Dodger outfielder Yasiel Puig could be headed to an arch rival for the 2020 season.

Major League Baseball rosters are currently frozen until future notice amid the coronavirus pandemic, but a report surfaced on Sunday that former Dodger Yasiel Puig is close to signing with the San Francisco Giants.

Say it ain’t so!

While the news didn’t come from someone like Ken Rosenthal or Jeff Passan, insiders you are used to relying on for hints of upcoming roster moves, it did come from a respected Cuban journalist, Francys Romero, who is best known for reporting on the agreement between Major League Baseball and the Cuban Baseball Federation. Romero is currently a contributor for MLB.com and CiberCuba.

If there is a reporter outside of the mainstream who would have Puig news, Romero would be it. He reports Puig’s contract amount is unknown, but his deal would have a one-year option with the Giants.

Puig, who called Chavez Ravine home for six seasons between 2013-2018, failed to sign with a team during the offseason, reportedly passing up on a multiple offers as he searched for the right fit. The Marlins might have offered him a one-year, $10 million deal.

The right fielder improved his batting average, but struggled to find his power after being traded from Cincinnati to Cleveland last season. He hit just two home runs over his final 49 games, but batted .297, a marked improvement over his .252 average with the Reds.

Dodger fans hoping for a reunion with the electrifying outfielder were really only wishing with their hearts. Obviously, with Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts manning center and right, along with Joc Pederson and A.J. Pollock in left, there is no room for Puig to return to Dodger Stadium.

Dodgers Rumors: Yasiel Puig says several teams have made offers

Yasiel Puig failed to sign with a new team over the offseason, but the former Dodger says several are interested.

That said, it would be nice to see him sign somewhere (anywhere!) other than San Francisco. A lot can happen over the next several weeks as MLB officials work with health experts and public leaders to decide whether, or how, a 2020 season can be played. But it appears Puig has found himself a new home with the Dodgers’ greatest nemesis.