Dodgers: Five teams for Yasiel Puig as MLB considers universal DH

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If Major League Baseball institutes a universal designated hitter in 2020, former Los Angeles Dodgers star Yasiel Puig could be in high demand.

Based on an unconfirmed report, Yasiel Puig is reportedly close to signing with the San Francisco Giants, and if that is true, perhaps he should reconsider. With MLB and the player’s union considering a proposal for the 2020 season that would include a universal designated hitter, Puig might find a few more teams are interested in his services … including the Dodgers? We will get to that in a minute.

While a reporter with ties to the Cuban baseball community has Puig joining the Giants when the smoke settles in planning for a 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic, others with sources close to the team are less sure.

Whatever was unofficially agreed to or not in the past, a new market might exist for the flashy outfielder if a universal DH is enacted for the 2020 season.

Puig is no longer the fielder he once was, but he can still hit.

It was a bit surprising to see Puig go through the entire offseason without finding a new home. He claims he had several offers. For the Reds and Indians last year, he slashed .267/.327/.458 with plenty of power still in his bat (24 home runs). While Puig saw his power lose steam after being traded to Cleveland for the final 49 games of the season, he dramatically improved his overall hitting, lifting his average to .297 with the Indians.

If MLB institutes a designated hitter in the National League, there are several teams that might look to Puig as an extra bat to add to their lineup.

Let’s review the options, finishing with whether he makes sense for the Dodgers.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 08: A New Era cap of the San Francisco Giants sits in the dugout during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Giants 4-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

San Fransisco Giants

Obviously, the Giants remain a favorite to sign Puig if we are to believe the report that he is already close to signing with the Bay Area club. However, the Giants beat writer for the San Francisco Chronicle warns against calling it a done deal. So a competition could emerge.

San Francisco is in for a long season, no matter how many games are played in 2020. Vegas had their win total over/under at only 68.5 wins for a normal 162-game schedule. If anyone in the National League could use a little boost to their lineup, it is the Giants.

As it stands, their best option at DH would probably be Hunter Pence, who otherwise would try to find at-bats behind Mike Yastrzemski, Alex Dickerson, and Billy Hamilton in the outfield. Pence is coming off a solid season with the Texas Rangers before being sidelined due to a back injury.

Puig would give the Giants a legitimate power threat in the middle of their order, and add some needed flash to the lineup card. It would also annoy the Dodgers—not as if that should be a real consideration.

Miami Marlins

Reports circulated during the offseason that Puig had received a one-year, $10 million offer from a National League club. In a recent interview with Jorge Ebro of el Nuevo Herald, Puig noted the Marlins had made him an offer, so if you connect the dots, it might give you an idea of the contract he turned down.

In fact, Puig admitted that he would require more money from Miami since his Cuban heritage would be a marketing advantage for the team.

Whether that takes Miami out of a potential new arms race that could develop for Puig’s services if NL teams need to account for an extra bat in their lineup remains to be seen. Remember, if baseball returns in 2020, it will most likely be in empty stadiums, so the appeal of selling Puig to the Miami community might be lost.

That said, with the Marlins expected to be cellar dwellers this season, perhaps they look to Puig as a glimmer of hope in what will otherwise be a lost season. Otherwise, they are left with unflattering options in Matt Joyce, Jon Berti, and Garrett Cooper as potential candidates to act as designated hitters.

New York Mets

Any conversation about the New York Mets seems to start with payroll. As long as the Wilpons still own the team–and they are apparently trying to sell, without much luck–Mets fans will never feel confident that the team is willing to spend the necessary money to compete with the likes of the Yankees and Dodgers.

The Mets could use an extra DH/outfield candidate with Yoenis Cespedes return to health uncertain, at best. Right now, they plan on rolling into the new year with Jake Marisnick receiving significant at-bats in a platoon role with Brandon Nimmo. It would help New York to offset the days they decide to go with defense in center field with a potent bat, like Puig’s, in the DH spot.

Otherwise, the Mets will need to rely on Dominic Smith to act as the team’s designated hitter. Smith has potential, and DH would give him a place in the lineup after Pete Alonso emerged as a superstar at Smith’s natural position at first base. But it remains to be seen whether the former first round draft pick can become a reliable big league hitter.

Puig might prove too pricey for the Mets, especially given the current economic conditions; but perhaps all teams are reluctant to spend a lot on an added bat, bringing the right-hander into their price range.

San Diego Padres

The Padres are a team that could be in desparate need of an extra bat if MLB institutes a universal DH. As their roster stands today, they would be stuck relying on the likes of Greg Garcia, Brian Dozier, and Wil Myers to fill the role. Not exactly a Murderer’s Row of candidates.

Adding Puig would give them a sure-thing bat while keeping their bench pieces available to fill-in for other spots around the diamond. Puig would also give them much-needed power to mix into an outfield that has relatively none outside of Tommy Pham in left.

Whether Puig played a permanent DH role or cycled into right field to add some punch to the lineup over Franchy Cordero or Wil Myers, he would definitely help San Diego produce more runs during the 2020 season.

The Padres spent plenty of time during the offseason having their name tied to various marquee names in trade talks and free agency, but ultimately ended the winter relatively quietly. Puig could be a late signing that gives them some star power.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a three-run home run to left field in the sixth inning of Game Four of the 2018 World Series against pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Boston Red Sox (not in photo) at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

What about the Dodgers?

As fun as it would be to see Yasiel Puig back with the Dodgers, it doesn’t really make sense for them to search for a reunion, even with expanded rosters and a possible DH role.

There aren’t many teams in the National League in better position to take advantage of the DH spot than the Dodgers. They have a deep bench and a solid rotation of outfielders who can cycle between the field and designated hitter position.

Whether the Dodgers decide to move Max Muncy into a semi-permanent DH role, or reserve the spot for AJ Pollock when Joc Pederson is in the lineup against righties, or mix in utility players like Kiké Hernandez, they have plenty of options for manager Dave Roberts to fill out his lineup card.

Next. Four reasons why universal DH benefits Dodgers. dark

Signing Puig would be like adding a third cherry to a sundae already overflowing with chocolate sauce and sprinkles. The Dodgers don’t need him, but it’s fun to think about for a few minutes.

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