Braves’ Deal with Yasiel Puig Called Off After Positive COVID-19 Test

Right fielder Yasiel Puig with the Cleveland Indians in 2019. Photo by Peter Joneleit/CSM/Shutterstock (10408031l)

The Atlanta Braves, who had agreed to a deal with free agent outfielder Yasiel Puig last week, will no longer sign the Cuban star after he revealed that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Puig, who failed to sign with a new team before the spring training was called off in mid-March, had looked to find a perfect fit in Atlanta where he would be a key member of the outfield and lineup of a World Series contender.

In his announcement, Puig said that he is asymptomatic and that he feels “absolutely fine.” He will remain in quarantine until he tests negative twice for the virus.

With the beginning of the season just around the corner and uncertainty regarding his health status, the Braves decided that they did not want to commit to the mercurial outfielder for 2020.

Puig had been viewed as a replacement for Nick Markakis, the veteran outfielder who opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.

However, it now appears that Atlanta will have to simply go with its already-rostered options in Ender Inciarte, Ronald Acuña Jr., Adam Duvall, and top prospect Cristian Pache as its main pieces in the outfield for their 2020 run.

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