Braves to sign Yasiel Puig

The Braves will sign free-agent outfielder Yasiel Puig, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The team has not confirmed the signing.

Puig, 29, was considered the best free agent available. He’ll replace Nick Markakis, who decided against playing this season, adding another bat to the outfield mix.

After six seasons with the Dodgers, Puig split last season between Cincinnati and Cleveland. He hit .267/.327/.458 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs across 149 games in 2019. He also stole 19 bases.

When asked about Puig during his media briefing Tuesday afternoon, Braves manager Brian Snitker said he did not know anything about a deal.

Another national report said that the deal is contingent upon Puig completing his physical.

With Markakis out and Freddie Freeman potentially missing the start of the season because he tested positive for COVID-19, the Braves were even thinner against righthanded pitching. Puig has slashed .285/.350/.495 against righties in his career.

The signing would further deepen the team’s outfield. The Braves would have Ronald Acuna, Marcell Ozuna, Ender Inciarte, Adam Duvall and Puig as options. Austin Riley can also handle left-field duties if needed, but he’ll log most of his time at third and first base.