In the final days leading up to Monday’s 1 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline, it was apparent the Los Angeles Dodgers were attempting to deal Yasiel Puig. Los Angeles reportedly floated Puig in trade talks with the Cincinnati Reds but didn’t gain much traction.
As the final hours ticked away Monday, it was reported the Chicago White Sox were interested in acquiring Puig via trade. Los Angeles had been named among the teams said to be in contact with Chicago over starting pitchers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana.
Similar to the situation with the Reds, nothing materialized. Meanwhile, the Dodgers added to their outfield in the form of Josh Reddick, who along with Rich Hill, was acquired from the Oakland Athletics.
While Puig was not traded prior to the deadline, it appears he did not join the Dodgers on their flight to Denver, per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Yasiel Puig did not travel with the Dodgers on Monday when they flew to Denver for a three-game series against the Rockies.
Puig’s agent Adam Katz said there was an understanding that his client would either be traded on Monday or sent to the Minors by Tuesday:
“I’m told he never went to the park,” Katz said. “The club informed me and the player understood clearly that they were making every to trade him and that if they were unable to come to terms with another club on a trade — and successful in acquiring another outfielder — that he likely would be demoted. My understanding is that transaction will happen tomorrow.”
Puig this season is batting .260/.320/.386 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs in 81 games. He recently missed time and was limited to pinch-hit appearances because of right hamstring tightness.
While he’s endured some struggles at the plate this season, Puig is hitting .308/.390/.440 since coming off the disabled list in June. What’s more, he’s continued to play stellar defense in right field. Puig has never been optioned to the Minors since making his Major League debut in June 2013.
