Published on: January 21, 2026, 09:39h.

Updated on: January 21, 2026, 09:39h.

• Trial of former MLB slugger commences in Los Angeles
• Puig faces charges linked to alleged illegal sports betting operation
• Puig could face up to 20 years in prison

In 2022, former Major League Baseball outfielder Yasiel Puig expressed his desire to go to trial to “clear his name” following charges related to his alleged involvement in a federal illegal sports betting operation. Now, he has the opportunity to do so.

Puig’s trial commenced yesterday in a Los Angeles court, where he faces one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements to federal authorities regarding his alleged participation in an illegal sports betting enterprise. If found guilty on all counts, Puig could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

According to federal prosecutors, the 35-year-old Puig provided false statements multiple times concerning his role in the gambling scheme in 2022. They allege that he placed 899 sports bets (excluding baseball) between May and September 2019 through a gambling ring operated by former minor league pitcher Wayne Nix. Prosecutors claim Puig transferred $200,000 to cover a portion of his total losses amounting to $282,900.

Puig’s legal team contested these allegations during yesterday’s proceedings. Notably, Puig has not denied being an avid gambler.

Withdrew from Plea Agreement

In August 2022, Puig struck a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of misleading federal investigators in exchange for dropping the case. However, he later reconsidered and opted out of the agreement, resulting in charges being pressed by federal prosecutors in January 2023.

A gifted and charismatic right fielder from Cuba, Puig rose to prominence with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, where he recorded 19 home runs and 42 RBIs in just 104 games. He became an All-Star in 2014 and spent six of his seven MLB seasons with the Dodgers, also playing for the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians in 2019. Over his career, Puig maintained a batting average of .277, hitting 132 home runs and 415 RBIs, with an OPS of .823 across 861 games.

Subsequently, he signed with professional teams across Mexico, South Korea, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.

Video footage is available showing Puig leaving the courtroom yesterday. Jury selection took place, and the trial is officially underway.