Phillies: Should they consider signing Yasiel Puig for 2020?
The Phillies could go all in and add one more big bat to their lineup
A little over two months ago I wrote an article highlighting the top 5 remaining free agents still available that the Phillies could sign. In that list, veteran outfielder Yasiel Puig ranked as the best player currently on the market.
With the MLB season now set to return to spring training on July 1, the powerful right-handed slugger has still yet to be signed.
Despite how you may feel about his antics, there’s no denying Puig’s impact on an organization. Not only is he a high-profile character who sells jerseys like there’s no tomorrow, but he’s also been highly productive when it comes to the actual numbers.
Across seven seasons with the Dodgers, Reds, and Indians, Puig has slashed .277/.377/.423. He was selected to the All-Star game in 2014 and even placed second in the AL’s 2013 “Rookie of the Year” voting.
While many view “2020 Puig” currently as a considerable downgrade compared to what he was in Los Angeles, the stats tell a different story. Despite being traded midseason and missing time due to a suspension, Puig posted an OPS of .785. This ranks as his fifth-best offensive season, beating out the years of 2015 and 2016 that he spent with the Dodgers.
In 2019, Puig flashed the versatility that he can still bring to the table. He hit 24 home runs, 30 doubles, knocked in 84 RBIs, and stole 19 bases. Puig was one of just eight players in the entire MLB to put up such a wide variety of stats*, a club that includes the likes of Bryce Harper, Cody Bellinger, and even Mookie Betts.
*MLB players with at least 20 HRs, 30 2Bs, 80 RBIs, and 15 SBs in 2019*
Yasiel Puig has a place in the Phillies lineup
When it comes to the Phillies specifically, the team is quite set at the outfield position. Bryce Harper is obviously the team’s franchise right fielder, former MVP Andrew McCutchen is returning from injury, Adam Haseley looked impressive in his rookie season last year, and guys like Roman Quinn and Jay Bruce project to be above-average bench options.
However, with the new universal DH rule set to be implemented for 2020, the Phillies now have room for some extra bats.
For starters, Puig would absolutely thrive in a designated hitter role. Known for his ability to hit the long ball (132 career home runs), Puig has the exact physical build of a stereotypical slugging DH. On top of that, the Phillies could also use Puig as a way to give McCutchen some much-needed rest as he continues to recover from his nasty ACL tear.
Giving Cutch some days off in the DH position while Puig holds down left field is quite the combo.
While Alec Bohm could be a DH option headed into this shortened season, there’s no guarantee he’ll start there every day. Joe Girardi will likely want to see Bohm play some first and third base, and as a rookie, he’ll likely get more days off than usual. While the Phillies could just use a guy like Bruce as the odd DH substitute, Puig is an obvious upgrade.
When looking at things more simply, Puig’s 2019 OPS would have ranked as the fifth best on the entire Phillies’ roster. It’s just a blatant upgrade by all definitions.
Can the Phillies sign Yasiel Puig?
The Phillies are pressed right up against the luxury tax and have shown little to no desire to pay it. That lack of desire could be heightened with the massive loss of revenue this year.
While Puig has yet to receive any sort of legit MLB offers (he did receive an offer to play in the KBO which he promptly turned down), it’s unlikely he’s looking to play on a minimum level contract considering his reputation.
With that said, the 2020 season is going to be an absolute mess; 60 games, designated hitters, strange new extra-innings rules, and the potential for a star player to get ill at any second with COVID-19.
Philadelphia Phillies
Puig is a game-changer. Nicknamed the “Wild Horse”, he is exactly the type of player who might thrive in an environment like this. Known for being a streaky player, if Puig can get hot for a 30-40 game stretch this season, that’s likely enough to push the Phillies into the postseason.
While he may lick his bat and throw punches when he gets upset, Puig has proven time and time again that he’s an above-average baseball player. It’s not by coincidence that the Dodgers fought so hard to keep him around despite all his antics.
The Phillies are not necessarily in a position to contend this year, even with the shortened season. The roster still needs some serious work and they are still in the process of developing some of their younger talent. With that said, the Phils have Bryce Harper in his prime. If they are looking to go all out and push for a playoff run, Puig is exactly the type of player to bring in.
A last-minute signing has a 0.1% chance of happening at this point, but if the Phillies are serious about winning in 2020, they should at least consider tossing Puig an offer.