BREAKING: Braves Sign Free Agent Outfielder Adam Duvall to a One-Year Deal
In an unexpected move, the Atlanta Braves are bringing in a major league free agent to provide depth to their outfield.
And it's an old friend.
The team announced today that they have signed free agent Adam Duvall to a one-year deal worth $3M.
Duvall, 35, is on his third stint with the Braves, being originally acquired from the Cincinnati Reds via trade in 2018 and remaining with the club through the 2020 season. After departing in free agency prior to 2021, landing with the Miami Marlins, Duvall was later re-acquired via trade and had a stint with the club through the 2022 season.
In Duvall's five seasons in Atlanta, he played in 272 games and batted .224/.285/.464 with 54 home runs and 133 RBIs. He played all three outfield positions and was a vital piece of the 2021 postseason run, hitting three home runs as Atlanta went on to win the 2021 World Series.
Duvall's a fan favorite that's perhaps best known for his son Stone's relationship with Braves mascot Blooper. The two were frequently seen together, with Stone always searching for the mascot and Blooper all too happy to oblige.
It's a signing that has implications for Atlanta's bench configuration heading into the 2024 season. With the backup outfielder job previously being assumed to belong to Forrest Wall and the final spot going to infield/outfield utility man Luke Williams, Duvall's undoubtedly now going to be a favorite for that job at some point early in the season, if not on Opening Day.
UPDATE: MLB.com's Mark Bowman is reporting that the initial plan is for leftfielder Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall to platoon in left field.
But a significant factor in the bench configuration will be Duvall's readiness for Opening Day. With only two weeks remaining until Atlanta takes on Philadelphia for the home opener, it's not currently known if Duvall will be in "game shape" for Opening Day or if he'll need some time in the minor leagues to get his timing back.