Copyright Newsweek
It's been six years since Yasiel Puig last wore a major league uniform. Since then, he and the franchise that brought him on to the MLB scene in 2013 have seen their paths diverge dramatically. Puig was traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 to the Cincinnati Reds, then to Cleveland. His chance to sign with the Atlanta Braves in 2020 was foiled by a positive COVID test. Since then, he's played in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Korea, and Venezuela. More news: Dodgers Manager Reveals Disappointing Alex Vesia Update Before World Series Meanwhile, the Dodgers have won two World Series in five seasons. They're one win away from another championship, with Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays set for Saturday at the Rogers Centre. Puig, 34, played 40 games for the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO in 2025. He slashed .212/.285/.340 before a shoulder injury ended his season early. Nonetheless, he hasn't given up hope about returning to MLB — and to one team in particular. "Yes, I want to be in Los Angeles again one more time because I love the city," Puig told Dodgers Nation's Doug McKain. "I love the fans. This is a great place to be. And, I do my little career here in Los Angeles. I love the stadium. I love everything coming with the Dodgers: great fans, great city, a lot of different things." Puig did not address his legal battle in the U.S. as a witness to illegal sports betting. He is accused of making false statements to federal investigators and has a hearing scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026. More news: Vladimir Guerrero Sr Has Message for Son After Blue Jays Win ALCS Puig's shoulder is no longer an impediment to his signing with an MLB organization, and he is planning to participate in the upcoming Venezuelan Winter League season. Puig defected from Cuba in 2012 and signed with the Dodgers that same year. Less than two years later, he was thrust into the spotlight at Dodger Stadium. While many other baseball players have fled the island nation and risked their lives to sign with MLB clubs, none were regarded by scouts as having as much natural talent as Puig. More news: Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette Has 2-Word Response About World Series Availability From 2013-18, Puig slashed .279/.353/.478 for the Dodgers, with 108 home runs and 60 stolen bases in six years. He collected National League MVP votes in each of his first two seasons, and was an All-Star in 2014. But Puig also garnered negative attention from insiders and outsiders alike. He occasionally chaffed with teammates and coaches. He found himself in the middle of multiple benches-clearing brawls with opposing teammates. He was arrested for speeding in Florida. More news: Former Dodgers, Mets Infielder Dies Now, far removed from his prime years, Puig offered some advice for his younger self. "Never get late," he told McKain. "Pay attention to all your coaches. If somebody tells you ... moving to your right side ... you go in thinking the hitter knows nothing, but because you play in that moment right there and somebody doubles, that's the rule. You're supposed to move to third. Pay attention to everything your coach and teammates said. "And don't get in a fight. If somebody hits you with the ball, fight them only one time, don't fight them too much, because literally they say, you are 'MMA or boxing, this is baseball.' " Puig knows his second chance in affiliated baseball is likely to come via a minor league deal. If he makes it back now — with the Dodgers, or with any team — it would be neither the longest nor the hardest road he's traveled to the big leagues.
