Boston Red Sox: Five outfield options to consider if Mookie Betts is traded
By Matt Clark
Yasiel Puig
Yasiel Puig is an enigma, plain and simple. He possesses incredible raw talent and athleticism that rivals anyone in the game. However, his lack of effort and inconsistency can be absolutely maddening. Puig has been benched previously for his lack of hustle, his former teammates have openly commented about how his lack of effort grated on them and he went on record as stating that he never actually worked hard while he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His cannon of an arm, combined with an incredible blend of speed, power, and sheer athleticism makes Puig a tantalizing option for any team who believes that they can get him to improve upon his effort. There is no doubt that he possesses the skill set to make him one of the most elite players in the game if he chooses to work hard.
Puig began last season with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of the deal that brought ace pitcher Trevor Bauer to the Reds. Puig would combine to make 555 plate appearances, batting .267, with 24 home runs, 84 runs batted in, 19 stolen bases, 76 runs scored and multiple on-field brawls in 2019.
A career .277 hitter, Puig has averaged 22 home runs, 69 runs batted in, 13 stolen bases and 74 runs scored over six seasons with the Dodgers, Reds, and Indians. He currently represents the best available free-agent outfielder for the Red Sox.
If Boston signs Puig and allows him to tutor under current players like J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts, as well as former Red Sox star David Ortiz, it is possible he finally lives up to his full abilities, which is an enticing thought for the Red Sox.