Last offseason Yasiel Puig met the Los Angeles Dodgers’ requests that he shed weight and work on improving his training and focus. Puig drew rave reviews throughout the spring and into the regular season, but old habits eventually resurfaced.
The Dodgers attempt to trade Puig prior to the non-waiver deadline, and after they were unable to do so, demoted him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Puig’s future with the organization was on shaky footing, though he returned in September.
Again, the Dodgers were pleased with Puig’s renewed attitude and willingness and desire to improve. He accepted a platoon role in right field, and largely has not been mentioned in trade speculation this winter.
But the Dodgers have again instructed the polarizing outfielder to trim down, and in Justin Turner’s estimation, Puig has met the challenge.
“I saw him at Kenley’s wedding and he looks like he’s in outstanding shape,” Turner said at Wednesday’s press conference at Dodger Stadium.
“He’ll be up here in a couple days working out with us. I’m looking forward to that and pushing him in trying to helping him become a better person and player.” Although Puig’s performance and actions have drawn plenty of ridicule, Turner believes the 26-year-old has simply struggled to maintain composure.
“I think one of the things that happen is a lot of people get around him and he gets so excited,” Turner explained.
“There’s no question he loves the game of baseball but he gets so excited and forgets the right things he really wants to do. He genuinely wants to be a good person. I think he’s able to slow that down a little bit and put in the work.”
Turner also noted improved maturity in Puig, which Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman echoed. “I think the upside is significant and I think there’s a lot more awareness of what’s expected. I’ve definitely seen some real maturation,” Friedman said.
“In terms of how that translates to on the field and success, remains to be seen. He’s capable of so much and I know his teammates want to see him achieve that, we want to see him achieve that, and we’ll do everything we can to put him in position to do that.”
Even as Puig was the subject of trade rumors last offseason, Friedman and Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi regularly put their faith in him. Now that Josh Reddick is with the Houston Astros, Puig conceivably could regain his standing as an everyday right fielder.
However, whether based on a strategic purposes or private questions about Puig, it’s unlikely the Dodgers will simply plug him back into the corner outfield spot.
