A series of Snapchat videos has gotten Yasiel Puig in trouble with the front office of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"We are aware of what Yasiel posted on social media last night, and while we are disappointed in his and some of our players' judgment, this is a matter we will address internally," Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said, per the Southern California News Group's J.P. Hoornstra.
Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan provided a link to the clips. (Warning: Link contains NSFW language):
Beyond some crude language and gestures, the video isn't all that offensive. Puig and his Oklahoma City Dodgers teammates were partying during a road trip in Des Moines, Iowa.
But given his current situation, the Dodgers are likely expecting Puig to be on his best behavior. The 25-year-old hasn't played well, and the Los Angeles Times' Andy McCullough reported off-field issues played a role in his demotion to the team's Triple-A affiliate:
But [general manager Farhan Zaidi] acknowledged that Puig's behavior was a factor. The organization did not portray Puig as an irreconcilable malcontent, crippling the club with his personality. The issues were smaller and subtler, a series of minor indiscretions that piled up.
Despite his ubiquitous Twitter hashtag, Puig sometimes showed up late to meetings. He displayed only intermittent interest in the work necessary to avoid injury. [Manager Dave Roberts] acknowledged Puig lacked consistency in his habits. "Yasiel has to continue to grow," he said.
As Will Carroll of FanDuel argued, the Dodgers are in a tough place with Puig:
The non-waiver trade deadline has already passed, so that's not an option if the team is to the point where it sees no future for Puig.
Los Angeles could potentially release the Cuban outfielder. He's signed through the next two years for a combined $14 million.
Of course, should the Dodgers let him go outright, he'd have no trouble finding a new home. Another team would be more than willing to gamble on Puig in hopes he'd return to his 2013 or 2014 self.
Most likely, the Dodgers will call Puig back up to the majors within the next few weeks. If his behavior or his performance doesn't drastically improve by the end of the season, Zaidi and Friedman will have the opportunity to shop him around to other teams in the winter and spring.
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