Yasiel Puig could possibly be facing prison time after being found guilty of lying to investigators. The former Major League player will learn his sentence on May 26 in California when he goes in front of court in the Sunshine state.
The native of Cienfuegos was found guilty of obstruction of justice and lying to federal authorities during an investigation related to illegal gambling. Puig is now facing one of the most trying moments of his life off the field. .
Prosecutors are seeking 18 months in prison, plus are also requesting 3 years of supervised release and a $55,000 fine. His defense team requested probation, the 35 year-old Cuban has not played in MLB since 2019.
While awaiting the court’s decision, Puig remains active in professional baseball. Just a few days ago, he debuted with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian independent league and responded with two homeruns and four RBIs while also slashing .500/.750/2.000/2.750 after his initial game in the circuit.
Over his seven-year career in the majors with Cleveland, Cincinnati and the Dodgers, Puig hit .277 with 132 longballs, 415 runs batted in and a slash line of .348/.475/.823. In his two seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization the slugger slashed .262/.350/.443/.793 with 27 homeruns, 93 runs batted in and six stolen bases
Puig was put on waivers by Kiwoom last season after a lackluster and injury plagued season and saw action this winter with Venezuelan League champion Magallanes. Over 25 games in the LVBP he hit .282 with three homeruns and 14 runs batted in.
The outfielder has also seen action in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol with Veracruz in 2021 and 2024 hitting. 313 with 28 longballs and 86 runs batted in over a 126 game span. The outfielder was set to return to the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol with Querétaro this season, but legal problems in the US derailed that plan.
Yasiel Puig is a player who always makes an impact, both on and off the field. Puig’s life has always been marked by talent, controversy, and headlines. On May 26 of this year, one of the most important chapters of his life could be written and the result might not be to his satisfaction.