When the Los Angeles Dodgers struck a three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds last week, some believed outfielder Yasiel Puig may have been involved in the deal. Well, he wasn't, but rumors indicate he could be moved this offseason in the right scenario.
Puig's name has not been mentioned in trade rumors as much as many expected this offseason, likely because his value is low right now and the Dodgers don't think they'd get an appropriate return for him. His alleged involvement in a bar fight in Miami also isn't helping his value.
Although the MLB is investigating the incident, reports suggest it's not as bad as once believed, especially since the Miami Police Department considered the case closed. But still, off-field concerns are always a significant factor when acquiring a player.
With that being said, it's hard to believe a number of MLB clubs wouldn't be interested in trading for Puig, given his young age and high ceiling. However, the Dodgers won't relent in what they'd want for the 25-year-old if the opportunity to move him arose.
"Word is that the Dodgers would trade Puig, but only if they can get a good pitcher back," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. "They are not to the point of giving him away, as he obviously has the potential he showed his first year before regressing. Their main efforts are being directed toward getting the best out of him, not trading him."
Previous rumors have touched upon the Dodgers trade wishes and it seems as if they'd first be concerned with getting rid of Carl Crawford and/or Andre Either - two aging veterans with large annual salaries - as opposed to Puig, who is costing them a mere $25 million through 2018.
However, earlier in the offseason when Scott Miller of Bleacher Report published his article documenting Puig's tenure in Los Angeles with revealing quotes from his fellow teammates, it was said Clayton Kershaw allegedly "advised" the front office this offseason to trade him. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman denied that report, but Miller also received input from a former Dodger who said he was "the worst player I've seen in this game ever." A baseball executive also said he's a "whole series of problems" due to his selfishness and laziness. The GM Miller spoke to said the financial commitment to Puig is a "huge risk" due to his behavior.
Nonetheless, right now it seems as if the Dodgers are focused on maximizing Puig's potential rather than moving him. Still, Puig's future will likely remain a notable topic this offseason because indications suggest the team would be open to a trade if they were to get the right offer.
