Enigmatic and high-energy outfielder Yasiel Puig spent seven seasons in the major leagues, but could be facing a much longer stint behind bars if he is found guilty of federal charges for allegedly lying to investigators about his involvement in illegal sports betting. Puig’s trial begins on Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to a report from NBC4 Los Angeles.
The case originates from a 2017 investigation into an illegal gambling business being operated by former minor league pitcher Wayne Nix (who posted a 4.82 ERA across 534.1 IP in six seasons with the Athletics, never pitching above Double-A). As federal authorities investigated Nix’s activities, which included money laundering, they discovered Puig’s involvement.
Puig allegedly placed 899 bets on tennis, football, and basketball between May and September 2019, per a source mentioned in the NBC report. Puig then lied to authorities in January 2022 about his involvement and knowledge of Nix. Two months after the interview, Puig sent a message to a known associate of Nix, insisting that he hadn’t told the authorities anything. Once the FBI presented proof to Puig’s lawyers that he had lied, he quickly agreed to plead guilty to a single count of lying to investigators and was ordered to pay a $55,000 fine.
Puig’s failure to comply reportedly prompted the beginning of trial proceedings.
Yasiel Puig could be facing up to 20 years
Prosecutors ultimately charged Puig with one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements to federal officials (one from this investigation and one stemming from his immigration and naturalization interview as part of the process to become a U.S. citizen).
The obstruction charge could send Puig to prison for 10 years, while each count of making false statements carries a five-year penalty.
Yasiel Puig’s playing career spanned over 11 seasons
Six of Puig’s seven seasons in MLB were spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the outfielder defected from Cuba. Including a final season split between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians, Puig slashed .277/.348/.475 (122 OPS+) in 861 career games with 159 2B, 132 HR, and 79 SB.
Puig sat out the 2020 season and then ventured overseas when MLB teams failed to show any interest in signing him. He’d play a year in Mexico, a season in Korea with the Kiwoom Heroes (batting .277/.367/.474 in 547 PA with 30 2B, 21 HR, and 73 RBI), another season in Mexico, and then he reunited with the Heroes for 2025 for another go-around, though his second stint in the KBO would be cut short in May after 40 games due to injury.
The 35-year-old has an agreement in place to join the Navegantes de Magallanes in Mexico for the upcoming season. Presumably, that deal is first contingent on his trial ending without any jail time.
Former Dodgers Outfielder Could Be Facing 20 Years in Prison