Dodgers’ Former All-Star Joins Toronto Club With Court Date Looming

BusinessSportsMoneyDodgers’ Former All-Star Joins Toronto Club With Court Date LoomingByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorApr 24, 2026, 05:00am EDTBALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 05: A general view of the Los Angeles Dodgers logo on an equipment bag in the dugout before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 5, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAfter a dramatic seven-game World Series last year, there is little love lost between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.But on Thursday, news surfaced that a long-time Dodgers star outfielder would be looking to bring his talents north of the border while hoping for an embrace from Canadian baseball fans as he faces a potential prison sentence.“Former MLB slugger Yasiel Puig is coming to Toronto,” TSN reported. “The Canadian Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, who play their home games at Christie Pits Park, have signed Puig to a contract for the 2026 season.”ForbesDodgers $69 Million Star Sends 5-Word Message After Elbow SurgeryBy Peter ChawagaFormer Los Angeles Dodgers Star Yasiel Puig Joins Toronto Baseball Team After Illegal Gambling VerdictPuig is expected to be in the starting lineup for the Maple Leafs in early May, but he has a pending court date that could affect his ability to play for the team. And, depending on how that appearance in court develops, he could have a longer absence from the diamond ahead.“A jury has found former major league outfielder Yasiel Puig guilty of obstruction of justice and lying to federal officials investigating an illegal gambling operation,” the Associated Press reported in February. “The verdict came after a multiweek trial that featured testimony from Major League Baseball officials and Donny Kadokawa, a Hawaii baseball coach whom Puig placed b...