Braves sign the exciting Yasiel Puig to effectively replace the stoic Nick Markakis

Yasiel Puig brings his flair and the love of the game to the Atlanta Braves.

The Atlanta Braves just got even more fun by signing outfielder Yasiel Puig on Monday.

According to Mark Feinsand of The MLB Network, “Yasiel Puig is signing with the Braves.” Feinsand later added, “Puig-to-Atlanta makes all the sense in the world after Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season.” This was the only acceptable replacement for Markakis in the Braves’ lineup. Puig is coming to The ATL to do his thing. Braves Country is ecstatic.

Atlanta lost its Gold Glove and former All-Star outfielder for the season, as Markakis decided to opt out of the 2020 MLB season after speaking with Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was one of four Atlanta players to test positive for coronavirus once camp broke. Puig is a polarizing player, but his talent is undeniable and a welcomed addition to the Atlanta lineup.

Look for Yasiel Puig to fill a huge void in the Braves lineup this summer.

Puig will be entering his eighth big league season. He most famously played his first six MLB seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making the NL All-Star team in 2014. Puig split the 2019 campaign between the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians, going Cleveland’s way in the trade deadline deal for starting pitch Trevor Bauer. He also got into a fight while with the Reds.

In seven big league seasons, Puig has slashed .277/.348/.475. With a 162-game average, Puig’s power is on display from the right side of the plate with 25 homers and 78 runs batted in. He has hit at least 20 homers in each of the last three seasons. While he won’t hit 20 this year in a 60-game season, look for his pop to be an integral part of the Braves’ lineup construction.

Braves manager Brian Snitker can use Puig as a designated hitter or start him in the outfield, as he has tremendous range and could theoretically play any of the three positions alongside the likes of Ronald Acuña Jr., Adam Duvall and Marcell Ozuna. Versatility in lineup construction will be key in helping the Braves win their third NL East title in a row. Will that translate to postseason success?

Though Puig has never won a World Series before, he has played in four NLCS and two World Series while with the Dodgers. Atlanta hasn’t been to an NCLS since losing to Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks. Puig also has familiarity with Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos from their time together with the Dodgers in 2016 and 2017.

You have to take the good with the bad with Puig, but he’s the answer the Braves were looking for.