Where Is Puig Playing Baseball?
We all know that Yasiel Puig is one of the most talented and exciting young players in baseball. But where is he playing these days?
The Early Years
Puig played baseball in his home country of Cuba before defecting in 2012. Prior to joining the major leagues, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds organization in June 2012. He played that season with their Rookie Bill team, the Billings Mustangs, and was promoted to the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos in 2013.
Born in Puerto Rico
Puig was born in 1996 in the city of Cienfuegos, Cuba. At the time, the Cuban government forbid players from leaving the country to play professional baseball in another country. But in 2012, Puig and several other players defecting from Cuba established residency in Mexico, hoping to eventually be able to play in Major League Baseball.
Moved to Miami at age 12
Puig was born in 1992 in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and grew up playing baseball on the streets of Havana with makeshift equipment. His father, who worked as a bartender, taught him how to play. At age 10, he was drafted into the Cuban national baseball system to play for an developmental team called La Esquina del Callejon (The Alley of the Corner). He played there for two years before defecting from Cuba in 2009.
He established residency in Haiti and then traveled to Mexico to try out for major league teams. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed him to a seven-year, $42 million contract in 2012.
The Minor Leagues
Puig is playing in the minor leagues because that’s where he was assigned when he was traded by the Dodgers. The Dodgers traded him to the Rays, and the Rays assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Durham Bulls.
Drafted by the Dodgers in 2012
In 2012, Puig was drafted by the Dodgers in the seventh round of the MLB draft. He signed for a $42,000 bonus and was assigned to the Dodgers’ rookie-level Arizona League team. In 2013, he was promoted to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the Class A-Advanced California League.
Played for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Puig played for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Dodgers’ Class-A Advanced minor league affiliate, in 2012. In 124 games for Rancho Cucamonga, he hit .329/.391/.524 with 23 home runs and 100 RBIs.
The Majors
Puig is playing baseball for the Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a right fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Called up to the Dodgers in 2013
Yasiel Puig made his Major League debut on June 3, 2013, as a 22-year-old rookie. The Cuban-born right fielder became an instant sensation, hitting .319 with 19 home runs and 42 RBI in 104 games. Puig’s outstanding play helped lead the Dodgers to the National League pennant, and he was named the NL Rookie of the Year.
Won the NL Rookie of the Year Award
In 2013, Puig made his MLB debut for the Dodgers on June 3, became the first rookie to hit three home runs in a game since 1900, and was selected for the National League (NL) All-Star team. He also won the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
Where Is He Now?
Puig was traded to the Indianapolis Indians in early August.
Traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2018
In 2018, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Puig to the Cincinnati Reds. He signed a seven-year, $42 million contract extension with the Reds in April 2019.
Played for the Reds, the Cleveland Indians, and the San Diego Padres
In December 2018, the Cincinnati Reds traded Puig to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven-player trade. In 2019, he became a free agent and signed with the Cleveland Indians. After being traded to the Indians midseason, Puig was traded again to the San Diego Padres in August 2019.
