Free agent outfielder Yasiel Puig is looking for a multi-year deal that is clearly out of the comfort zone for the Cleveland Indians.
Yasiel Puig is still a free agent. Part of that is due to teams targeting other players such as Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, and Josh Donaldson. The other part is how much he is reportedly seeking.
Most thought a one-year deal for less than $10 million would get a deal done. MLBTradeRumors predicted Puig to the Tigers for one-year $8 million back in November. Most felt that a deal like this would be best for Puig. Puig would be able to rebuild value and sign a multi-year deal the following year. Seeking a multi-year deal now seems a bit premature and all but takes Cleveland out of the running for his services.
The Indians are in a weird spot. They have a good roster, but need help in key areas, outfield being one of them. Cleveland appears comfortable waiting out free agents and hopefully signing them to bargain basement deals rather than being aggressive in free agency.
Bringing back Yasiel Puig makes a ton of sense, but the rumored desired contract does not really fit how the team operates. They are more than likely looking for someone on a one-year deal that will make about half of the $15 million Puig is seeking. It just does not look like a match at this number.
The only way the Indians make a deal with Yasiel Puig is with an option attached for considerably less money. Outside of that, it seems unlikely that #PuigYourFriend makes a return to the Cleveland outfield. The Indians have a clear comfort zone that they operate in and $15 million per on a multi-year deal is clearly outside of it.