Braves Reportedly Expressing Interest in Reds Star Outfielder Yasiel Puig
By Max Scoli
The Atlanta Braves are currently sitting pretty atop the NL East with a 62-45 record, and the MLB Playoffs in their sights.
Yet, they feel there are still improvements that can be made, especially in the bullpen...and outfield?
In an attempt to fill this need, the Braves have displayed interest in acquiring Cincinnati Reds standout and lightning rod Yasiel Puig ahead of the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline
Braves have shown some interest in Yasiel Puig, one of many OF available. They do not, however, appear engaged on Reyes, Castellanos, Dyson or Peralta.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2019
The fact that Atlanta does not want guys like Reyes, Dyson, Peralta or Castellanos suggests that the organization wants to add power over contact hitting to their roster, and Puig fits that bill.
The "Wild Horse" is only batting .255 on the year, but has smacked 22 homers and collected 60 RBI while sporting a .480 SLG, just a few months before free agency.
Yasiel Puig's first at-bat against Clayton Kershaw and his old Dodgers team ... GOODBYE! ? pic.twitter.com/eMzrJ2bHEs
— ESPN (@espn) April 16, 2019
Puig also possesses one of the best arms in the league, making him a potentially valuable addition to the team's defense. In fact, he was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and was a finalist for a Gold Glove before losing out to Jason Heyward in the same year.
What more do we have to say to make this happen?! With Nick Markakis gone, he's an improvement on Adam Duvall. Full stop.