3 moves the Braves should make for Ronald Acuña insurance

Sign Yasiel Puig

The Braves were already in on Yasiel Puig in 2020. They reportedly agreed to a deal to sign the outfielder before the season. However, the deal fell apart after Puig tested positive for COVID-19. Once he was cleared, Atlanta had moved on.

Outfield depth is now a major concern again. Puig wants back in MLB and the Braves have a need that he could fill.

In terms of pure baseball, it makes a ton of sense. He’d immediately give Atlanta a big bat capable of hitting 20+ home runs in a season. He hit .267/.327/.458 with 24 home runs in 2019, when he last appeared in the majors.

Since he hasn’t had takers to bring him back in, he’d come relatively cheap as well. He’s currently playing in Mexico.

Why not make this move? Unfortunately, there’s a pretty big reason teams like Atlanta are hesitant to bring Puig in. He’s facing a lawsuit and allegations of sexual assault from back in his days with the Dodgers in 2018. Until that gets resolved one way or another, dealing with Puig will be a risk.

If not Puig, there are other available free agents the Braves could target, including Yoenis Cespedes.