Atlanta Braves won’t be signing Yasiel Puig after he tested positive for COVID-19
By Mike Luciano
Yasiel Puig has contracted the COVID-19 virus.
The Atlanta Braves had a deal lined up with former Los Angeles Dodgers star Yasiel Puig, as the über-athletic outfielder figured to add more pop to a lineup that
Puig confirmed on Twitter that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not sign his contract with the Braves. Luckily, he is asymptomatic. Per the MLB’s coronavirus regulations made specifically for this season, he will not be allowed to return to action until he tests negative twice.
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) July 17, 2020
Puig agreed to a contract after veteran outfielder Nick Markakis opted out of the 2020 season, leaving a hole in right field. In 2019, which he split between the MLB’s two Ohio-based teams in Cincinnati and Cleveland, Puig hit .267, his highest average since 2014, while crushing 24 home runs, the second-most he has ever hit in a season.
Not only did the Braves lose out on a veteran who can step right in and replace Markakis, but they lost out on arguably the best player still on the free-agent market. There is no other way to describe this other than crushing
Related Story. The Braves still have a lineup and rotation that will help them contend in 2020. light
Puig was a perfect replacement for Markakis given his unique skillset and ability to make something happen at the plate. Unfortunately for Atlanta, their ideal situation has been ruined in one fell swoop now that Puig will not join the team.