Why is Yasiel Puig not an MLB player anymore? Checking up on Cuban WBC star's current whereabouts

Cuban-born Yasiel Puig last played with the Cleveland Guardians in 2019. He was supposed to join the Atlanta Braves in 2020. However, on July 17, 2020, Puig tested positive for COVID-19, which led to the deal's cancelation.

On April 21, 2021, Puig signed a contract with El Guila de Veracruz of the Mexican League after receiving no offers from MLB clubs.

ESPN reported that MLB investigators had spoken with a woman who claimed that Puig had sexually assaulted her during a Los Angeles Lakers game in October 2018 a month before Puig joined El Guila de Veracruz. The allegations were rejected by Puig, who referred to them as "false and vicious." The woman ultimately brought a lawsuit.

In October 2021, Puig announced that his sexual assault case had been resolved and that he intended to rejoin MLB in 2022.

A fresh story that Puig had discreetly resolved a lawsuit brought by two women who alleged that Puig sexually assaulted them in January 2017 appeared in The Washington Post just two months later. Amidst all the accusations, Yasiel went on to sign a one-year contract with the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO League on December 8, 2021.

In November 2022, Puig made headlines once more for the wrong reasons. He admitted deceiving federal law enforcement officials about bets he placed with an unlicensed sports betting business. Later that month, he changed his plea to not-guilty.

"Former Dodgers outfielder/slugger Yasiel Puig pleads guilty to lying to FBI about illegal gambling operation. Here’s the DOJ release." - Steve Chiotakis

Apparently, a string of legal issues contributed to Puig's not being able to return to MLB.

During the span of his big league career, he has played with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2013–2018), Cincinnati Reds (2019), and Cleveland Guardians (2019).

Yasiel Puig is set for trial in 2023

Philadelphia Phillies v Cleveland Indians

On April 25, 2023, former MLB star Yasiel Puig is scheduled to stand trial in LA's federal court on allegations of lying to federal investigators and obstructing justice in connection with illicit gambling enterprises.

Ten years in federal prison is the maximum sentence for the obstruction charge, while five years is the maximum sentence for the perjury charge.