September 22, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indian rightfielder Yasiel Puig (66) watches the first inning at Progressive Field against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Indians won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Yasiel Puig last played in an MLB game in 2019. The all-star outfielder found a home this summer after months of waiting. Signed with the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, after a positive COVID-19 test, the deal failed and he never got an opportunity. Now that spring training is underway and opening day is approaching, Puig remains a free agent.

Although we haven’t seen him live in over a year, Puig is still a reliable everyday player. He has a cannon for one arm in the right field and posted one .785 OPS, 24 homers and 84 RBIs with the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds in 2019.

He can have an impact on whether he starts on a full-time basis or as a fourth outfielder. Since several teams have to consolidate their strike order or have no strength from the bench, Puig is a top talent for free agents who fits many clubs.

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5. Atlanta Braves

The Braves originally signed Puig as the fifth outfielder. This time they were able to sign him as the first outfielder from the bank.

With Adam Duvall Along with rival Miami Marlins and Nick Markakis, who is still a free agent, the Braves could use another outfielder. Puig can support Ronald Acuña Jr. in right field and occasionally play alongside him when Acuña moves into the middle. Puig could also challenge Ender Inciarte, or at least push him throughout the season. Inciarte only hit .190, that was already a season he hit .246. The veteran has struggled to get on the base lately while Puig has beaten much faster over the course of his career.

Despite not playing the position consistently, Puig made 60 starts in the center and three in the left. Maybe the Braves make the 30-year-old an accomplished, versatile outfielder?

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4. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are very versatile in position but it would be wise to add another outfielder.

Jason Heyward is imprisoned as manager David Ross’s right fielder. But even at his best, Heyward is just an average base threat at this point in his career. Puig ensures an offensive jolt and speed on the base paths. The two outfielder were able to move to the right due to the matchups, with Heyward against Righties and Puig against Southpaws.

Pederson game, who has signed a one-year contract in this off-seasononly hit .190 last season. With Ian Happ’s experience in six positions, there could be opportunities anywhere in the outfield in 2021. An outfield rotation that includes the above commodities and Jake Marisnick would result in a rounded unit.

3. Oakland Athletics

The A’s have invested in one year proof-it deals (Trevor Rosenthal, Sergio Romo and Mitch Moreland) this off-season and could continue to do so by adding Puig to the mix.

There are a variety of questions surrounding manager Bob Melvin’s outfield. Can Stephen Piscotty Stay Healthy? Will Ramon Laureano recover from his quiet 2020 campaign? Can Seth Brown be an everyday left fielder? Will Tony Kemp come to the grassroots on a higher level? Do the A’s have the depth that Mark Canha is the batsman-designate? These questions open the door for them to add another outfielder.

Puig would push Piscotty right and offer another outfielder a day off on the field. With the flexibility of this outer field, the players could take different places until something clicks and the line-up gels. In a long season, it would keep everyone fresh too. The A’s could also use more production on the record, as they ranked 16th in runs (274) in the MLB, 21st in slugging (.396) and 25th in the batting average (.225).

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

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As funny as it sounds to say The Dodgers need something After signing Trevor Bauer, they were actually able to use another outfielder.

With Pederson for the Cubs, the Dodgers have four outfielders with extensive experience in the big league at their disposal: Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor. Pollock has a well-documented injury history and Taylor gets replays in the infield. In the outfield of manager Dave Roberts playing time is to be had.

Upon returning to the team with whom he had spent the first six seasons of his MLB career, Puig would continue to arm a massive offensive attack. Puig is familiar with the outfield dimensions of the Dodger Stadium. If Roberts wants to play him in left field, it shouldn’t be a drastic adjustment. A reunion between the two parties fills a void for the Dodgers and gives Puig a chance to get his career going again.

1. St. Louis Cardinals

The cardinals are probably still hungover of the acquisition of star third baseman Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies. When they wake up, they should add another starting caliber outfielder. Enter Yasiel Puig.

Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson, and Lane Thomas were productive in spurts. Puig is defensively robust as a collective whole, but with the bat as good as any of the Cardinals’ current outfielder. He would add a threat of power to their line-up and could be their best defensive outfielder from the jump. Puig’s offensive production coupled with his glove gives him the chance to take part on the opening day of the Cardinals.

The Cardinals traded Dexter Fowler for the Los Angeles Angels to clear payroll and absorb Arenado’s salary. Inking Puig to a one-year contract fills the void Fowler’s departure cleared and adds another bat to an offense that has been difficult to produce over the past two seasons. Puig would be a phenomenal pickup for the cardinals.