Yasiel Puig

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #2 prospect in 2013
  One of the Dodgers' first big outlays under new ownership was a seven-year, $42 million major league contract for Puig that included a club-record $12 million bonus. The deal was widely questioned around the game given his history. Before defecting to Mexico, he had been barred from playing in Cuba's professional league during the 2011-12 season for disciplinary reasons. He hadn't played in a live game in nearly a year when he signed, with teams only getting to see him in a few workouts. Puig has the tools to justify his contract. He's a physical specimen, generating explosive bat speed and plus-plus raw power. He could stand to incorporate his lower body a little better in his swing, but he shows a good load and an ability to get through the ball, so he should hit for solid averages. He does need to be more selective, however, and not get impatient when he sees fewer fastballs. Puig has the speed to be a center fielder but his above-average arm makes him a better fit in right. Some observers question his maturity, as he rubbed opponents and scouts the wrong way during his time with high Class A Rancho Cucamonga. Los Angeles sees Puig as the most talented position player to come through its system since Matt Kemp. He'll likely begin 2013 back in high Class A but will move quickly if he produces.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Southern League #1 prospect in 2013
  After signing for a Los Angeles club-record $12 million bonus in late-June 2012?part of a $42 million contact?Puig made such an impression in the high Class A California League in August that he earned recognition as best power hitter, most exciting player and possessor of the best outfield arm in the Dodgers system. If anything, those accolades undersold Puig?s ability, for he needed just two months at Double-A this season?during which time he led the Southern League with a .982 OPS?to earn a callup to Los Angeles. He promptly helped kickstart a surging Dodgers club that won 42 of 50 games during one stretch. Puig plays the game with such flair that every plate appearance, defensive chance or trip around the bases becomes must-see TV. With a muscular 6-foot-3 frame, he has explosive bat speed and enough feel to hit to be dangerous against various pitching styles. His 80 raw power plays as 70 game power due to his aggressiveness, while his improved plate discipline and willingness to use the middle of the field could make him a repeat .300 hitter. He?s a solid defender in right field with a 70 arm. ?I like everything about him,? said one scout with a National League club. ?He?s the total package. His abilities are unlike anyone I?ve seen in person, and he?ll continue to develop the nuances of baseball.? Other scouts wonder if Puig?s occasional recklessness might cost the Dodgers in a big spot, but without his contributions Los Angeles probably wouldn?t be positioned as one of the National League?s top clubs.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #47 prospect in 2013

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: One of the Dodgers' first big outlays under new club ownership was a seven-year, $42 million major league contract for Puig that included a club-record $12 million bonus. The deal was widely questioned around the game given his history. Before defecting to Mexico, he had been barred from playing in Cuba's professional league for the 2011-12 season for disciplinary reasons. He hadn't played in a live game in nearly a year when he signed, with teams only getting to see him in a few workouts. Scouting Report: Puig has the tools to justify his contract. He's a physical specimen, generating explosive bat speed and plus-plus raw power. He could stand to incorporate his lower body a little better, but he shows a good load and an ability to get through the ball, so he should hit for solid averages. He does need to be more selective, however, and not get impatient when he sees fewer fastballs. Puig has the speed for center field but his above-average arm makes him a better fit in right. Some observers question his maturity, as he rubbed opponents and scouts the wrong way during his time with high Class A Rancho Cucamonga. The Future: Los Angeles sees Puig as the most talented position player to come through its system since Matt Kemp. He'll begin 2013 back in high Class A but could move quickly.