A Major League Baseball source confirmed that the Chicago Cubs are among the teams in contact with Yasel Puig’s agent, Jaime Torres, reports Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune. Rogers adds that the Chicago White Sox are also believed to be interested in the 21-year-old outfielder.
An MLB source confirmed that the Cubs are among the teams in contact with Torres, and a source with another team that is believed to be involved said not to rule the Cubs out because of the nine-year, $27 million commitment they made to Soler earlier this month.
The White Sox, who have done deals with Torres for Jose Contreras, Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo, are also believed to be interested in the 21-year-old Puig, who defected earlier this year.
Puig was just recently granted free agency by MLB. The 6’ 3" 210-pound outfielder has two years of experience under his belt in Cuba’s Serie Nacional. While Rogers notes that Puig may not have as high of a ceiling as Jorge Soler, he is considered to be closer to the big leagues.
Puig and Torres will have to reach an agreement with a team prior to July 2, when the new international free agent spending limits are put in place.