Cleveland Indians: 5 ways Bauer trade helps Tribe get back to World Series

2. Puig brings swagger

Puig is a huge addition for the Tribe’s lineup, which at times, can vanish, just as it did Tuesday night against the Houston Astros when the Indians managed just two hits en route to being shut out 2-0.

The outfielder entered July 30 batting .255 with 22 home runs and 15 doubles.

Puig is likely only here for two months, as he’ll be testing the free-agent waters following the season.

Puig found his way to Cincinnati before the start of the season as the Reds were able to unload Homer Bailey‘s albatross of a contract. Cincinnati took some salary back, and with LA’s loaded outfield, Puig was expendable.

Puig has played most of his career as a right fielder, which conflicts of course with Reyes’ acquisition. There’s room for him to DH, though, while manager Terry Francona flips them between defensive days.

Puig ‘s experience in left field is seven games. He’s played 67 games in center!

From a defensive standpoint, Fangraphs.com rates he and Reyes as being pretty close to each other from a rankings standpoint.

The website rated 20 players who have played at least 500 innings in right field this season. Reyes was rated the 10th, while Puig was 12th.

There will be plenty of room to watch both hit as Francona works his magic.