Yasiel Puig – The Agony and the Ecstasy

So it’s no surprise, as the trade deadline nears Puig’s name is once again bandied around.

The opinions on trading Puig vary, even within our Dodgers Nation staff. I asked some of the writers their opinion, and as you’ll see, there was no outright consensus.

Gabe Burns Follow @GabeBurns_DN
Puig turns 26 in December. At what point does the headache outweigh the potential? A trade is best for both parties. Puig gets a fresh start, and he has enough “upside” to fetch L.A. value. The best scenario would be to package him in a deal for a difference maker. We’ll see if another team would be willing to take that flyer.

Christiaan Sorensen Follow @catchynameguy
I feel like we’ll never get equal value in a 1 for 1 trade involving Yasiel; too much untapped potential in that man.

Brian Robitaille Follow @BriRobitaille
Totally depends on return. I don’t want just a bucket of balls back for Puig. If they could include him in a package for a top tier starter or some other upgrade to the team, I wouldn’t be against trading him.

We keep hearing about all this “un-tapped” potential that he has, but when exactly is it going to be tapped? I think Puig may have teased us a bit with his debut back in 2013, but I’m not sure that’s the kind of player he’ll ever be. Sure, potential seems to be there. But as it is right now, he’s an average player offensively with above average defense. Wouldn’t be too difficult to replace a .257/.321/.379 hitter with 7 HRs.

Jeremy Evans Follow @JeremyMEvansESQ
Trading Yasiel Puig would be unwise. First question: who replaces Yasiel Puig in right field? Second question: Remember Mike Piazza, Pedro Martinez, and Carlos Santana? Third question: Guess who is one of the best right fielders in baseball, Yasiel Puig. Finally, guess why the Dodgers have won as many games as they have this year? Strong bullpen and defense where Yasiel Puig is one of the best defensive right fielders.

Brandon Knudsen Follow @Knudervalve
Triple slash of 307/404/427 since returning from the DL, with his usual great defense. Still young, still cheap. Trading him would be unwise in my opinion.

A polling of Dodger fans on Twitter shows the same fairly even split. Which tells me despite Puig’s many issues, (including, most troublesome to me, his inability to stay healthy) there is a large faction of fans not quite ready to let go. But, don’t worry “Trade him” fans, I see you too. Even within our own fandom he’s a polarizing figure.

POLL: What should the Dodgers do with Yasiel Puig?

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 20, 2016

So, in conclusion, there is no conclusion. The views on what the team should do with Puig are mixed and fluid. Strong opinions on both sides. As for me, although I admit it’s not unwavering, I’m in the Keep Puig camp. At the end of the day he’s still young, he’s got a team friendly contract, and despite his struggles, I’m willing to give him more time. Time for him to figure things out and live up to that elusive potential. Because when he does, and I believe he will, I want it to be in Dodger blue.

Finally, be patient Dodger fans and remember #PuigYourFriend