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Phillies: Should they consider signing Yasiel Puig for 2020?

By David Esser

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 17: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches his double during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 17, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 17: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches his double during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 17, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 27: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Cleveland Indians warms up against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park on September 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 27: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Cleveland Indians warms up against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park on September 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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
Philadelphia Phillies /

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.

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