Yasiel Puig is going from Chavez Ravine to Christie Pits after the former Dodgers star signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The former MLB sensation reportedly signed the largest contract in Canadian Baseball League history, according to the Toronto Star. Details of the deal were not disclosed, however.
The Cuban outfielder burst onto the scene in 2013, batting .319 and hitting 19 home runs for the Dodgers on his way to finishing second in NL rookie of the year voting.
He followed that up with an all-star game appearance in his second season and seemed destined for stardom.
However, his numbers dropped off in his third season and never really recovered. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after the 2018 season and later moved at the 2019 trade deadline to Cleveland as part of a deal that sent Trevor Bauer to Los Angeles.
He entered free agency following the season and went unsigned by MLB clubs, but continued to compete in the KBO and Mexican League.
Why is Yasiel Puig controversial?
While there’s little doubt that Puig can be a contributor for the CBL club, he has a history of off-field issues and allegations.
In 2021, Puig reportedly had been accused of a 2018 sexual assault, leading to an investigation by MLB and it was later revealed that the outfielder had settled two 2017 sexual assault cases.
Puig was charged in connection with any of the allegations, and he wasn’t suspended by MLB, either.
Earlier this year, Puig also was found guilty in U.S. federal court of obstruction of justice and lying to federal officials in conjunction with an illegal gambling operation.
However, Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein said that the team has done its due diligence looking into Puig’s issues and believes they have been “dealt with.”
“We carried out extensive diligence (before signing Puig),” Stein said. “We’ve had discussions with lots of different people. The issues have been dealt with by the justice system, by other, more qualified parties.
“We are focused on what is the best talent that we can put on the field that’s going to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs in a way we can be proud of. We think that he is really on the right track in his personal life.
“He certainly deserves a chance to play professional baseball. And we think he’s going to be a great contributor to the team and to the community.”
What else did the Ball Leafs say about the big signing?
Stein said that he believes that despite his time away from MLB, Puig remains one of the sport’s best players.
“We think he’s the most exciting player in men’s baseball who’s not playing in MLB right now,” Stein told the Star. “And we think he’s better than a lot of guys who are in MLB. So we can’t believe our good fortune.”
The team also has faith that Puig should draw plenty of fans down to Domenico Field at Christie Pits and provide some great entertainment.
“We care about Christie Pits,” Stein said. “We care about that part of Toronto, we care about offering the highest-level baseball free of charge … We’re proud of the fact that we are investing lots of money to give Torontonians the best possible baseball product and value in Toronto.”
Have the Maple Leafs made other big signings?
Last year, the Ball Leafs made history by signing Ayami Sato, the league’s first female player.
The Japanese pitcher ultimately wasn’t very successful for the Maple Leafs. While Sato had a 1-0 record in 13 appearances, including three starts, she posted an ERA of 14.04 and gave up 40 hits in 16.2 innings.
However, Sato won’t be back with the Leafs for this season after being drafted by Los Angeles in the Women’s Professional Baseball League earlier this year.
The Maple Leafs are set to open their 2026 season at home against the Kitchener Panthers on May 10.