Puig Tests Positive for COVID-19; Will Not Sign With Braves Yet

Free agent, Yasiel Puig, was set to sign a one year deal with the Atlanta Braves July 15th pending his physical. The Braves could use the veteran outfielder after losing Nick Markakis, who opted out of the 2020 season. Unfortunately, Puig tested positive for COVID-19 Friday. The deal appears to be terminated and Puig since entered a two-week quarantine.

The Cuban outfielder has been bounced around multiple teams recently, having played for the Dodgers, Reds, and Indians in the past two seasons alone. With going unsigned this winter, he looked to sign a last-minute contract, which he had in place but ultimately fell through due to his contraction of the virus.

Looking forward, if Puig can recover and provide 2 negative tests to be cleared, he can sign with a team this season. The Atlanta Braves can still be Puig’s next home, but the decision revolves around his test results in the coming weeks.

Puig posted an Instagram post Friday announcing his health status and urging everybody to take the virus seriously. He stated “I am asymptomatic, and I feel absolutely fine.” It is relieving to see that Puig is doing well, and with the season around the corner he hopes for his self-isolation to be short lived.