Federal prosecutors are pushing for former Los Angeles Dodgers star Yasiel Puig to serve prison time after a jury convicted him on two felony counts: obstructing justice and lying to federal authorities.
The case stems from allegations that Puig placed illegal bets on sporting events while still active in Major League Baseball. Over a 13-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing Puig used an intermediary to place wagers, accumulating more than $250,000 in debt. After settling that amount, he allegedly went on to place over 800 online bets on various sports, racking up nearly $1 million in debt—which, according to federal officers, he never paid.
According to Sam Blum of The Athletic, prosecutors are requesting an 18-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release, along with $55,200 in fines. Puig's attorney, Keri Curtis Axel, pushed back strongly against the recommendation.
"Yasiel Puig is a first-time offender who has already been punished through years of prosecution, reputational damage, financial consequences, and the effective destruction of his professional life," Axel said in a statement. "A prison sentence is not proportional to the conduct and would not accomplish any rehabilitative purpose here. The Court has complete discretion over the sentence, and the defense will request a sentence of probation."
Once a fan favorite and rising star with the Dodgers, Puig hasn't appeared in an MLB game in over five years. His last big-league action came after being traded to the Cincinnati Reds following the 2018 season—a deal that sent him to Ohio for what would be his final stint in the majors.
These days, Puig is playing in the Canadian Baseball League with the Toronto Maple Leafs (no, not the NHL team). In his debut with the club, he made an immediate statement, going 2-for-2 with two home runs, four RBIs, two walks, and three runs scored.
During his six-season tenure with the Dodgers, Puig played 712 games, posting an impressive .831 OPS while crushing 108 home runs and driving in 331 runs. His electric style and raw power made him one of the most exciting players in the game—a far cry from the legal troubles he now faces.