Dodgers Rumors: Yasiel Puig drawing interest from Boston Red Sox, among others

Former Dodger Yasiel Puig is still in search of a new home.

Yasiel Puig remains unsigned as a free agent, and while the Los Angeles Dodgers’ biggest rivals, the San Francisco Giants, are reportedly a landing spot for the outfielder, there are a handful of other possibilities, including the Boston Red Sox.

Jon Heyman talked about where Puig might play this season on MLB Network’s MLB Tonight on Thursday. The MLB insider said the Red Sox are interested in signing the one-time All-Star, along with the Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, and San Diego Padres.

Bringing Yasiel Puig back to the Dodgers doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Sorry, Dodger fans. It doesn’t appear practical for Los Angeles to try to bring the popular player back to Chavez Ravine, even with the addition of the designated hitter. If there is one team in the National League well-suited to fill out the extra lineup spot, it is the Dodgers.

Puig last played for the Cleveland Indians after being traded by Cincinnati in a trade deadline deal that also sent starter Trevor Bauer to the Reds last season.

After arriving in Cleveland, Puig struggled with his power, only hitting 2 home runs in 49 games, after smashing 22 in 110 games in the National League. However, he improved his batting average from .252 to .277.

The 29-year-old Cuban defect was also pursued by the Miami Marlins in the offseason, but the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement. Puig was skeptical a season would be played this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. Now that there is an official start date, perhaps he will make a decision on returning.

The Dodgers began formal workouts at Dodger Stadium on Friday. They are set to open the season, perhaps against San Francisco, on July 23.