Prosecutors want lengthy prison sentence for Yasiel Puig following federal crime convictions

Yasiel Puig played for the Guardians, Dodgers and Reds in his MLB career. Paul J. Bereswill

It also “acknowledges defendant’s history and characteristics,” prosecutors added.

Puig’s attorney, however, said in a statement to The Athletic — which was first to report the news of the filing — that he hoped his client would receive a far less stringent sentencing.

“Yasiel Puig is a first-time offender who has already been punished through years of prosecution, reputational damage, financial consequences, and the effective destruction of his professional life,” Keri Curtis Axel said.

“A prison sentence is not proportional to the conduct and would not accomplish any rehabilitative purpose here. The Court has complete discretion over the sentence, and the defense will request a sentence of probation.”

Yasiel Puig initially agreed to plead guilty in his federal case, but ultimately backed out of the pact and took the matter to trial. Mona Shafer Edwards / BACKGRID

Prosecutors accused Puig of participating in an illegal sports gambling ring in 2019 and then lying about his involvement in it during interviews with investigators years later.

Puig initially agreed to plead guilty in the case, but ultimately backed out of the pact and took the matter to trial.

Jurors came back with their guilty verdicts on Feb. 6. At the time, prosecutors stated Puig was facing a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the obstruction of justice charge and an additional five years in prison for the false statement charge.

Puig’s sentencing hearing is slated for May 26.