Adam Duvall Rejoins the Atlanta Braves for Left Field Position Sharing with Jarred Kelenic
In an effort to strengthen their outfield, the Atlanta Braves are welcoming back slugging outfielder Adam Duvall with a $3 million contract for the upcoming 2024 season. Duvall, at 35 years old, is… The Atlanta Braves have signed 35-year-old outfielder Adam Duvall with a $3 million contract for the upcoming 2024 season. Duvvall will share playing time in left field with Jarred Kelenic, who was recently acquired from the Seattle Mariners. Despite a poor spring training performance, Duvalls' addition was seen as a complement to a more reliable right-handed batter. This move comes as part of a strategy to strengthen their outfield. Duavall's tenure with the Braves was notable for his significant contribution to their 2021 World Series championship.
Published : 2 months ago by Ella Bennet in Sports World
In an effort to strengthen their outfield, the Atlanta Braves are welcoming back slugging outfielder Adam Duvall with a $3 million contract for the upcoming 2024 season.
Duvall, at 35 years old, is set to share playing time in left field with Jarred Kelenic. The Braves recently acquired Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners, though his performance in spring training has left something to be desired, prompting the need for a platoon system.
Kelenic’s spring training performance was underwhelming, with only three hits out of 34 at-bats, resulting in three RBIs, one stolen base, and nine strikeouts. This demonstrated the need for a more reliable right-handed batter, leading the Braves to sign Duvall.
Previously with the Boston Red Sox, Duvall batted .247, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 58 runs despite being limited to just 92 games due to a fractured wrist which he incurred trying to make a catch.
Duvall’s tenure with the Braves marks his third with the team, notable for a significant contribution to their 2021 World Series championship following a midseason trade from the Miami Marlins. During that season, Duvall shone with over 30 home runs, an NL-leading 113 RBIs, and a Gold Glove.
The journeyman outfielder’s career began with stints in San Francisco and Cincinnati before he was initially traded to Atlanta by the Reds in 2018. Prior to the 2021 season, he had a brief period with the Marlins, only to be traded back to Atlanta. Last season, signed by Boston, Duvall showed his power quickly before his injury on April 9 sidelined him. Upon returning, he continued to provide home run power, being among the AL’s best in home runs per at-bats.
With Kelenic, a former top prospect from the New York Mets who has yet to fully meet expectations, the Braves originally planned for full-time play. However, his spring training challenges led them to acquire Duvall as a complement, enabling them to ease Kelenic’s exposure, especially against left-handed pitching. The Braves completed the deal for Kelenic as part of their off-season acquisitions in a significant trade with the budget-conscious Seattle Mariners.
Topics: Baseball, MLB, Atlanta Braves