Yankees and Red Sox could reportedly battle for Yasiel Puig in free agency

The Yankees are reportedly interested in free agent OF Yasiel Puig.

When fans said they were clamoring for the New York Yankees to make a big move this offseason or at least insert themselves into some more buzz/rumors, we doubt anybody had this in mind. But we’ll take anything, we guess!

With the logjam in the outfield (or so we think), conventional wisdom suggests the Yankees would be scoping the market high and low for pitching and middle infield options. They have a very young rotation and the DJ LeMahieu situation remains unresolved with 2021 already here.

But apparently general manager Brian Cashman might not trust the health of his outfield, which should consist of Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier and Aaron Hicks on Opening Day. After adding Socrates Brito on a minor league deal last week, the Bombers are reportedly interested in Yasiel Puig … and they could battle the Red Sox for his services.

We’re not even four days into 2021 and just got hit with a knee-buckling curveball. That’s some valuable insurance if the Yankees are serious about adding Puig, who hasn’t played since 2019, to the roster. The former Rookie of the Year runner up just turned 30 years old, but at this point we can expect him to take over fourth outfielder duties when he signs his next contract.

But perhaps the new version of Yasiel Puig could snag a starting job somewhere? It looks like the Sox, Astros, Marlins and Orioles could probably offer him more playing time, which could weigh into his decision making.

Maybe Puig wants the best possible shot to win a ring. If that’s the case, he’d give the Yankees formidable depth, but then we’re looking at the likely departure of either Brett Gardner in free agency or Mike Tauchman via trade. There’s no reason for this team to carry six outfielders with starting potential.

Puig was nearing a deal with the Braves for the 2020 season, but that all came crashing down when he tested positive for COVID-19. His last action came during his stint with the Reds and Indians in 2019 when he slashed .267/.327/.475 with 76 runs scored, 24 home runs, 84 RBI and 19 stolen basis.

Imagine that production as the Yankees’ fourth outfielder?

And plus, you just know this man will rake with a Boston “B” on his helmet. You just know it. If we have to shell out a few extra dollars to avoid that, then so be it.

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