Cleveland Indians outfielder Yasiel Puig became an American citizen on Wednesday, nine years after defecting from Cuba.
Puig shared the news on Twitter: “Thank you God for this great opportunity to be an American citizen.”
He is the fourth Indians player to become a citizen this year, joining first baseman Carlos Santana, infielder Hanley Ramirez and left-hander Oliver Perez. Ramirez was designated for assignment in April.
Puig, 28, starred on the Cuban national team before being transported out of the country in 2010. He initially ventured to Mexico and negotiated a seven-year, $42 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in June 2012.
Puig was traded to Cincinnati last December before being involved in a three-team deal with Cleveland on July 31.
Puig was a volatile participant in a benches-clearing incident between the Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates on July 30. He is currently serving a three-game suspension.
He is batting .263 with 23 homers, 67 RBIs and 56 runs scored in 111 games this season. He is a career .277 hitter with 131 homers and 398 RBIs in seven seasons with the Dodgers, Reds and Indians.
