Dodgers Star Yasiel Puig -- I'm NO Reckless Driver ... Despite What Happened in Florida

Dodgers superstar Yasiel Puig is digging in for a fight stemming from his December arrest in Florida -- the one with the pink shorts -- 'cause TMZ Sports has learned he plead NOT GUILTY to reckless driving.

We first published the footage showing the 23-year-old being RIPPED by a Highway Patrol officer who claims Puig was pushing 110mph with his MOM in the car.

At the time of the arrest, the officer told Puig he could've KILLED HIS MOTHER ... and that he has no respect for her life.

Puig was charged with reckless driving and speeding -- now, we know the MLB star plead not guilty to the reckless charge.

If convicted on the reckless charge, Puig faces up to 90 days in jail.

As for the speeding, Puig's due in court to deal with that charge in April.