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Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Yasiel Puig as Sentencing Nears

The Canadian club is betting on his star power despite a federal conviction for obstructing a gambling probe.

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Sep 15, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) makes a catch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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Overview

  • The Toronto Maple Leafs baseball club signed former MLB All-Star Yasiel Puig for the 2026 season, with the move reported Thursday.
  • A federal jury convicted Puig in February of obstruction of justice and making false statements tied to an illegal sports-betting investigation, and Judge Dolly M. Gee will sentence him on May 26.
  • Prosecutors say he placed hundreds of bets through a Southern California bookmaking ring and lost nearly $1 million that he did not repay.
  • Reports say the deal is the largest in Canadian Baseball League history, financial terms were not disclosed, and he is expected to debut May 10.
  • Team CEO Keith Stein says the club did extensive vetting and believes Puig deserves a chance, though his availability after sentencing remains uncertain.