Former MLB slugger Yasiel Puig is coming to Toronto.
The Canadian Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, who play their home games at Christie Pits Park, have signed Puig to a contract for the 2026 season, the team announced.
According to the Toronto Star, the contract is the largest in league history. Details of the contract were not disclosed.
Maple Leafs sign Yasiel Puig, hope former Dodgers all-star can bring CBL championship to Toronto https://t.co/AdEEqEV3NT
— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) April 23, 2026
Puig will be in the starting lineup for the Maple Leafs on Opening Day on May 10.
The 35-year-old native of Cuba hasn’t played in the MLB since 2019 when he appeared in 149 games split between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians.
Puig spent most of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, spending six years with the organization from 2013 to 2018. The outfielder was named an All-Star in 2014, finishing the season with a .296 average alongside 16 home runs and 69 RBIs.
Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein is excited to have Puig on the team.
“We think he’s the most exciting player in men’s baseball who’s not playing in MLB right now,” Stein told the Star. “And we think he’s better than a lot of guys who are in MLB, so we can’t believe our good fortune.”
Over 861 career games in the MLB, Puig posted a .277 average with 132 homers and 415 RBIs.
Since leaving the Majors, Puig has spent time playing pro baseball in Mexico, South Korea and, most recently, in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Puig has had numerous off-field issues, including allegations of sexual assault. Puig denied the allegations and settled the lawsuits out of court.
In February of this year, Puig was found guilty of making false statements and obstructing justice as part of an investigation into an illegal gambling operation.
Formerly known as the Intercounty Baseball League, the 107-year-old league was rebranded this off-season and is now known as the Canadian Baseball League.
The Welland Jackfish won the league title last season. The Maple Leafs haven’t won a championship since 2007, their eighth championship season in franchise history.
