In a salary-motivated trade, the Los Angeles Dodgers unloaded from their surplus at multiple positions and traded Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Kyle Farmer, Alex Wood and cash considerations to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Homer Bailey and prospects Josiah Gray and Jeter Downs.
With the blockbuster, Puig’s tumultuous six-year stint with the organization officially came to a close. His name had consistently surfaced in trade rumors over recent seasons, to which he admitted was difficult to deal with at times.
Puig was said to be open to a change of scenery, however, given his dissatisfaction with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ routine platoons during the 2018 season.
Prior to being shipped to the Reds, Puig was connected in trade talks with the Cleveland Indians. The New York Mets were another team expected to inquire on the 28-year-old.
That was due in part to the newly-acquired Robinson Cano’s desire to team up with him, which led to the second baseman trying to convince the Mets to trade for Puig, per David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
“A very interesting person texted me today saying that Robinson Cano is trying to persuade the Mets to make a trade for Yasiel Puig. So we will see where that goes if anywhere.”
The Mets have been involved in a number of high-profile acquisitions this offseason, most notably acquiring Cano and star closer Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariners in addition to their free agent signings of Jeurys Familia and Wilson Ramos.
Still seeking an upgrade in the outfield, Puig would’ve represented just that for the Mets. In 125 games this past season, the 28-year-old hit .267/.327/.494 with 21 doubles, 23 home runs and 63 RBI over 444 plate appearances.
