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5 teams that should trade for Yasiel Puig

Rick Scuteri / USA TODAY Sports

Yasiel Puig continues to test the patience of the Los Angeles Dodgers, even when he's on the other side of the country.

Bursting with talent, but held back by injuries and an attitude that has rubbed coaches and teammates the wrong way, Puig appeared to be on the verge of a second chance after the Dodgers parted ways with manager Don Mattingly, and hired Dave Roberts earlier this week.

Rather than take the opportunity as a fresh start, Puig is now under investigation by Major League Baseball following his involvement in a nightclub fight last week. At this point, it would be hard to blame the Dodgers' front office should they look to deal the mercurial 24-year-old.

Here are five teams that should be calling the Dodgers to try and land Puig:

Cleveland Indians

No team is more devoid of outfield talent than the Cleveland Indians. General manager Mike Chernoff is in search of at least two outfielders, and has already been said to have discussed trade possibilities with the Dodgers. Armed with a surplus of starting pitching, the Indians could dangle Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, or Danny Salazar in return for Puig, who would give the Tribe the right-handed, middle-of-the-order bat they highly covet.

Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto has been highly aggressive in his first two months on the job, and it would hardly be seen as a stretch should he make a play to land Puig. After acquiring Leonys Martin, Dipoto is still looking to add a right fielder, and was reportedly talking with the Miami Marlins regarding Marcell Ozuna. Should the Mariners re-sign right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma - something they'd like to do - Dipoto would have a surplus of young arms to deal to the Dodgers in exchange for Puig.

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles understand they have a very important offseason on their hands, with the potential losses of Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen, and Darren O'Day to free agency. GM Dan Duquette believes his team will be postseason contenders next season, but he'll have to address his corner outfield spots if they wish to have a legitimate shot. With the current projection of Henry Urrutia and L.J. Hoes set to flank All-Star center fielder Adam Jones, the need for a player like Puig is undeniable. Whether or not the Orioles have the resources to land his services remain unknown.

New York Mets

No team is in a better position to deal with the Dodgers than the New York Mets. Armed with the best combination of young starters in baseball, the Mets could build a trade around Steven Matz, Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, or Zack Wheeler in order to land some much-needed power to their lineup. Puig would help fill the void following the likely departure of fellow Cuban Yoenis Cespedes to free agency, though the prospect of Puig in New York City might not be one Mets GM Sandy Alderson is willing to entertain.

Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels GM Billy Eppler landed his shortstop of the future in Andrelton Simmons, and should now turn his attention to addressing a major need in the corner outfield. The Angels deployed eight different left fielders in 2015, who combined to hit just 11 home runs. Though Puig has only played two games in left during his three-year career, he's athletic enough to make the adjustment. The Angels could also opt to move Kole Calhoun to left, in order to make room for Puig in right. If the Angels wish to compete in a competitive AL West, they'll need to add an impact bat like Puig provides. Much like the Orioles, however, the Angels' minor-league system is lacking top prospects after trading their two best arms to the Atlanta Braves for Simmons, and might not have the pieces on their major-league roster to swing a deal.

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