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Former disgraced MLB star sets new Canadian Baseball League record
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- Former disgraced MLB star sets new Canadian Baseball League record
MLB fans may remember Yasiel Puig as one of the most electric players of his generation, but the former All-Star has found a very different baseball home in 2026. Puig is now playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League, and he just put his name in the league's record books by setting a new single-season home run mark.
Puig launched his 22nd home run of the season on Aug. 27, breaking the previous Canadian Baseball League record , which he has since increased to 24.
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Puig is still showing off his power
Cincinnati Reds
right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) poses for a portrait on picture day, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Cincinnati Reds spring training facility in Goodyear, Arizona.
Cincinnati Reds Picture Day 2019 2 19 2019
Puig's power has never really disappeared.
The 35-year-old joined the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this season after spending the years following his MLB career playing internationally in leagues in South Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The Canadian Baseball League announced his signing in April, bringing one of the most recognizable former MLB players in recent memory north of the border.
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And Puig has been outstanding in Canada.
According to reports following the record-setting season, Puig finished with 24 home runs in 46 games, along with a .410 batting average, 57 RBI, and an impressive .503 on-base percentage. His 24 homers established a new CBL single-season record.
That is a remarkable offensive season, particularly considering Puig hasn't appeared in an MLB game since 2019.
During his seven-year MLB career, Puig hit .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBI and 79 stolen bases. He was also selected to the 2014 National League All-Star team.
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Puig's MLB career ended with plenty of controversy
Oct 26, 2018; Los Angeles , CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts while a play is under review in the tenth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There is obviously much more to Puig's story than what he has done on a baseball field.
After becoming one of baseball's biggest young stars with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Puig's MLB career ended following the 2019 season. His final season was split between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians .
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More recently, Puig has dealt with significant legal problems. In February, a federal jury found him guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials as part of an investigation into an illegal sports gambling operation. The U.S. Department of Justice said the case involved bets Puig placed through an illegal gambling operation in 2019 and statements he later made to investigators.
Despite everything that has happened since his MLB days, Puig is once again making headlines for what he does on the baseball field.
And this time, he has a Canadian Baseball League record to show for it.
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