MLB Rumors: Orioles Making Last-Minute Attempt To Sign Yasiel Puig

Yasiel Puig is the biggest name that is available in the Major League Baseball (MLB) free-agent market, and it appears one team is trying to pull some strings. The Baltimore Orioles have been in touch with the 29-year-old right fielder, making at least one contract offer to the former All-Star.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweeted that per his sources, the Orioles are trying to pull off something to get Puig to their side.

MLB teams were unable to get anything going for the past months due to the league's transaction freeze tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. That freeze officially ended on June 26. Puig was expected to be the target of most teams after this, particularly the ones in need of help in the outfield.

Aside from the Orioles, the San Francisco Giants were also linked to a possible deal with Puig. According to The Athletic, the Giants were expected to be among the teams that would try to lure the Cuban baseball player to their fold. Surprisingly, Baltimore has taken the lead for the services of Puig.

The Orioles are wasting no time as they try to fill holes on their roster. They need a starting right fielder, with Trey Mancini unlikely to be available this season. The 28-year-old announced via The Players Tribune in April that he would be undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.

Before links to the Giants and the Orioles, the team that was associated with the Cuban baseball player was the Miami Marlins. The interest never became official, although it is believed the Marlins made an offer to Puig. The alleged offer was believed to be around the vicinity of $10 million.

At the time, Puig also confirmed to El Nuevo Herald that multiple teams did offer him a deal aside from the Marlins. He added that Miami was among the first teams to make an offer, though he admits he commanded a higher price tag.

Before the Orioles' chase, Puig seemed ready to sit out the 2020-21 MLB season. He is aware that things are not looking that good, particularly with the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.

But with multiple offers on the table, the chances of seeing Puig play this season are looking brighter.