After speculation last winter that the Los Angeles Dodgers were considering trading Yasiel Puig, the club made a concerted effort to move the polarizing outfielder prior to the 2016 non-waiver deadline. Unable to trade Puig, the Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
That led to further speculation Puig’s time with the organization was running short, but he returned from OKC last September and remains a Dodger. That in part is due to Puig responding well to the demotion and returning to the Majors with an improved attitude and work ethic.
While there has not been much trade speculation involving Puig this winter, he reportedly has continued to draw interest from other clubs, via Buster Olney of ESPN:
He is still coveted by some other teams for his talent, although the Dodgers would probably struggle to get solid prospect return.
With Spring Training around the corner, Puig’s role with the Dodgers is currently unknown, as the organization boasts depth throughout the outfield. Puig expressed a desire to start on an everyday basis this season, but the Dodgers have not committed to such.
He finished 2016 as a platoon player with Josh Reddick in right field, and also saw some time in left. Puig has two years remaining on his team-friendly contract, but concerns over his consistency and ability to remain healthy have impacted the Dodgers’ potential return in a trade.
Overall in 104 games (81 starts) with last season, Puig hit .263/.323/.416 with 14 doubles, 11 home runs, 45 RBIs and a 101 OPS+, which was the worst season for him statistically since he debuted in 2013.
Joc Pederson figures to remain the Dodgers’ starting center fielder, which leaves Puig, Andre Ethier, Andrew Toles, Franklin Gutierrez, Trayce Thompson, Scott Van Slyke and Kiké Hernandez vying for playing time at either of the corner outfield spots.
