Dodgers Rumors: Yasiel Puig drawing interest from Orioles, among others

Former Dodger Yasiel Puig could be on his way to the Baltimore Orioles?

As many Los Angeles Dodgers fans wish there was a practical way to bring Yasiel Puig back to Chavez Ravine, the former All-Star is reportedly drawing interest from the Baltimore Orioles, who have made at least one offer to sign him, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Puig has had his name attached to the San Francisco Giants during the coronavirus break, with one report suggesting a deal was basically done. However, it appears the outfielder is keeping his options open.

Yasiel Puig appears to be in high demand.

Just last week, we heard from MLB insider Jon Heyman that the Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and San Diego Padres could be looking to sign the former Dodger.

With players deciding to opt out of the season due to health concerns and the addition of the designated hitter in the National League, Puig is seeing market demand increase for his services.

Last season, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of the deal that sent starter Trevor Bauer to the National League. Puig started the season with the Cincinnati Reds, where he hit 22 home runs in 110 games, but batted only .252. Upon switching leagues, he lost his power struck (hitting only 2 homers), but increased his average to .277.

Puig became a fan favorite in Los Angeles after playing six seasons in Dodger blue. He broke onto the scene in 2013 as a 22-year-old from Cuba, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. Over his tenure with the Dodgers, he hit 108 home runs and drove in 331 runs while slashing .279/.353/.478.

The Dodgers have a stacked roster with two former MVPs set to start in the outfield, along with a platoon between AJ Pollock (if he returns to play) and Joc Pederson in left field.

Even with the addition of the designated hitter, it doesn’t seem practical to expect the Dodgers to pursue Puig, since they already have several options to fill in the extra hitting spot, from giving regular players, such as Justin Turner, partial days off, to offering added opportunities to bench players like Kiké Hernandez.

Wherever Puig ends up, it will be interesting to keep an eye on the former Dodger from afar.