The Braves announced Thursday that they’ve signed veteran outfielder Adam Duvall to a one-year, $3MM contract. The CAA client will return for a third stint with Atlanta. The Braves’ 40-man roster had multiple open spots, so a corresponding move was not necessary.
Less than one month after Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos indicated that the team was not planning to platoon newly acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic in left field, Anthopoulos now tells the Braves beat the opposite: the righty-hitting Duvall will pair with the left-handed Kelenic in left field (X link via Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
The change in plans is likely attributable to multiple factors, including a presumable drop in Duvall’s asking price and also Kelenic’s struggles thus far in spring training. The once-ballyhooed prospect, whom the Braves effectively paid around $26MM to acquire (between eating bad contracts and the associated luxury-tax hits), is off to a 2-for-30 start with four walks and seven punchouts this spring. Kelenic has struggled against lefties throughout his still-young career, evidenced by a .189/.255/.311 slash (61 wRC+) and 29.9% strikeout rate against them.
Duvall, 35, has played with five teams in his career but spent more time with Atlanta than any other club. In parts of five prior seasons, he’s batted .224/.285/.464 — numbers that generally align with his career marks. He’s a strikeout-prone slugger whose paltry walk rates lead to low batting averages and poor OBP marks, but Duvall offsets those flaws with plus power and typically plus defensive grades in the outfield corners. Though he’ll be in a platoon role in this latest Braves stint, he has roughly even splits in his career: .232/.301/.469 (101 wRC+) versus left-handed pitching, .232/.287/.473 (97 wRC+) against right-handers.
Duvall spent the 2023 season with the Red Sox and was the game’s hottest hitter for the first ten days of the season before fracturing his wrist on a diving attempt in the outfield. He missed exactly two months and returned to post .223/.273/.474 slash that’s right in line with his career marks. Duvall swatted 21 homers in just 353 plate appearances with Boston — the best power output of his career on a rate basis — but also fanned in more than 31% of his plate appearances for a third consecutive season.
The Sox surprised many onlookers when signing Duvall to serve as their primary center fielder, and defensive metrics were down on his performance there. It’s reasonable to expect a bounceback in a less-demanding and more familiar left field setting, where Duvall has logged more than 68% of his career innings.
Despite the modest price tag, Duvall was relatively popular in terms of the number of teams showing interest in him this winter. The Red Sox, Angels, Twins, Blue Jays, Padres and D-backs were just some of the clubs connected to him, though many went in other directions. Minnesota seemingly preferred a truer backup center fielder and acquired Manuel Margot. Arizona took a more prototypical lefty masher in Randal Grichuk. San Diego was connected to Duvall as recently as Monday, but it’s possible Duvall simply preferred to return to the organization he knows best. Given his history with the club and given that the Braves are one of the largest postseason favorites in the entire sport, it’d be hard to blame him.
Because the Braves are already well into the second tier of luxury-tax penalization and are a second-year offender of the CBT, they’ll be taxed at a 42% clip on Duvall’s signing. That comes to a modest $1.26MM slap on the wrist and brings the total cost of acquisition on Duvall to $4.26MM. Per RosterResource, the Braves are now up to just over $273MM in luxury obligations. If they cross the $277MM mark, they’ll be taxed at a 72.5% rate on subsequent additions and see their top pick in next year’s draft dropped by ten spots.
Seems they’ve seen enough of the Kelenic show
….or AA likes to have insurance policies with guys that have given him a ring when he originally added him once before. AA thought Duvall was a platoon OF a few years ago, hence why he signed elsewhere — I don’t think that has changed, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a key cog to the depth. Wall can provide depth at AAA.
…..or they planned on Kelenic playing every day and now realize he’s a platoon player at most…. Something the mariners and the rest of baseball already knew….
You’re thinking AA is quite humble to give up on his $15M investment after less than 50 ST ABs in which he’s now showing progress and already changed his stance.
Who said give up on Kelenic? They’re gonna platoon him. Which wasnt their original plan. And now they have insurance if he performs poorly and needs to just ride the bench
The Braves needed a good backup player. Let’s not forget Harris struggled mightily early last season and it was not all after the injury. Acuna has had a little issue this spring and Kelenic is an unknown. Ozuna has had one good season in 3 or so. They do have Darnaud for DH at times but there is a lot that could go wrong for Forrest Wall to be your first backup. It doesn’t mean it’s a platoon but if Kelenic struggles it will certainly help to have someone to take some playing time.
I honestly agree with this. I don’t think AA quite hit a home run with the shuffling of the deck and Kelenic but I think he will get an honest shot. Duvall is a great platoon partner and plays great for left field. Stoked to have Duvall back. Ozuna Duvall bash brothers season. Who can get the most 3 homer games!!!!
I didn’t think they would platoon Kelenic…or that Duvall would take a platoon deal, but I stand corrected.
Well he does seem like a guy who needs to taste some success for his own peace of mind. Perhaps it’ll be easier in a platoon. I hated last year’s platoon. As much as I liked Pillar you gotta play a streaky guy like Rosario every single day. You can’t sit him when he’s hot for a well below avg hitter. I remember Rosario was on fire before all-star break then the break then (I think) 2 straight lefties…then he struggled for a month or so. If Kelenic gets hot he needs to be in lineup for his own good.
So funny reading your comments regarding Kelenic and how you continue to blow off takes of people on here who have been following Kelenic since A ball. He is ALWAYS working on changing something in his swing, stance, or mentality. Nothing works and I would place a large bet it continues in ATL.
Well it worked last year for awhile. He did regardless of what you think have an above average offensive season at age 23. Austin Riley, as I said recently, had an 86 OPS+ at 23 (and 22) with bad defense. I think many peoples Kelenic frustrations are equally Mariners frustrations. See when you are actually good nobody focuses so much on these young players. I’m not saying he’s great but my point is always what is there to lose? They could sign a borderline 4th outfielder like Duvall or Rosario or give a young guy a chance. They have very few positions players coming up. They need to be resourceful for the long term.
Both sides have merit. You have seen him more. I have seen him less. In some ways that makes you both bias and informed. You are caught up in it. I’m an outside observer. I think in some ways that makes me have a more balanced view. I see him as a 24 y/o former top prospect. Nothing more or less. You all see him as the bust of the decade practically. I don’t know if he’s gonna succeed and certainly there are reasons to question. But I have no baggage towards the player. He’s talented and young. On some teams I wouldn’t feel as good taking the risk but on ATL I’m happy to let it unfold.
A player changing his stance after 50 ABs in spring training is not the good sign you think it is. The tinkering should have taken place in the off season and probably did.
Say honestly again.
@stymeedome this could not be more false. Hitters make swing/stance adjustments mid season on a regular basis and the Braves are a perfect example of it. Heck Acuna changed his stance/hand position a few weeks after reaching the majors his rookie year and went off. Michael Harris…..did the exact same thing his rookie year. Look at Matt Olson’s hands and stance the first few months of of 2022 after getting traded to the Braves then take a look at the adjustment he made toward the end of that same season. To think that players take care of all of their adjustments in the offseason and just roll with it for 162 games is ridiculous.
It’s really really weird to me how badly Mariners want Kelenic to fail. It’s like Kelenic kicked your guys’ dogs. He’s 24. Braves fans believe it’s possible he can turn it around because we’ve personally witnessed guys make adjustments with huge success. Riley, Swanson, Olson last year. Nothing in baseball is static. Everyone is constantly making adjustments. But the fact that Seattle fans actively wish for a 24 year old kid to fail is just really weird.
Kindof explains some of the reason why he was mentally distressed playing there. He was under a microscope being dissected by Seattle. I can’t imagine being in the spotlight like that so young. People saying your immature as if they were never 20 y/o.
I am a Mariners fan. Ms fans mostly fell into two categories: 1. Defend him & hope he does well or 2. Call him a failure. I fell into Camp 1. I haven’t missed a single regular season Mariners game since 2019 so have seen a lot of him, watched his interviews, read up on him. Almost every single time he came to the plate it was painful to watch his face. He looked like he could explode with stress. Haven’t seen any Braves ST games but check out how he’s done online. I was not a fan of our hitting coaches who couldn’t seem to get anything out of anyone. Just pitiful. Would kill for the Braves hitting coaches. Kelenic has said he is too hard on himself, that he did see a sports psychologist. He needs a new one. He works his tail off, think he’s well-liked by teammates and I believe gives it his fall. He definitely seemed like a good change of scenery candidate. I will say a couple of things he said post leaving the Mariners fans who supported him feel ticked off. I hope he gets the help he needs to succeed or at the very least be league average. He blew the doors off in 2023 Mariners ST and had a great April. It felt like he’d turned a corner but he regressed.
To reminisce I was at battery when Duvall hit a grand slam in first inning of game 5 of WS. It was, I believe, the loudest crowd reaction in ATL sports history (I can’t speak to Aaron’s homer tho as I was not alive). Then the crowd went into chill out and drink mode…then they lost.
Run – I liked Duvall as a 120-game-type player, mostly DH and OF but not CF. I was hoping the Sox would re-sign him as OF insurance, now it appears they will live or die with Duran and 3 OF’ers that have yet to prove themselves.
I wish Adam all the best.
You’re right — he’s not a CF, especially at that age. Him being full-time CF forced open the Harris II door in ATL, and Fenway CF is odder than most with the dimensions/Green Monster, so props to Jackie Jr. for some many years mastering it. Can’t just plug n’ play that position there.
Stop with the if, ands, & buts, I like having this dude around, he’s clutch
Seems like you don’t know what you’re talking about
I’ve watched him play in person for 2.5 years. Good luck with that.
Thought similar. Kelenic has not looked good.
Concur
Well AA just said they’re gonna platoon Duvall and Kelenic.
Well that’s that then. As I said tho if Kelenic does get hot I’d like him to play everyday until he cools down.
This is more about having an experienced bat and glove off the bench. Plus, it is a value signing with Duvall’s price less than expected. Worst case is a platoon insurance policy.
The Braves were about to start the season with either Forrest Wall or Jordan Luplow as our 4th outfielder.
Signing Duvall for $3M ($4.6M after CBT) seems like a no-brainer upgrade.
The amount of negative Kelenic stuff is unfortunate. I agree with you. This is a great way to upgrade over Wall or White or Luplow with Duvall. The Kelenic deal will be evaluated in the 5 years of control the Braves have. It seems like a bunch of people here want him to fail. He has had 30 or so at bats. I understand Seattle is bummed at the two pitchers they got ended up being hurt this year. Kelenic has 5 years to do well. I could see Duvall really helping Kelenic.
Kelenic is 3-34 in ST; any thoughts of them giving him full playing time is gone.
Yet another case to support selling high on prospects and using them as currency. All the experts who laugh whenever someone suggests a name in a trade should be taken with a grain of salt. Nobody knows what any of these guys will become.
Anyone who thinks the numbers 3-34 are relevant to ANYTHING isn’t a fan of baseball. Or gambling. Or the weather.
“Nobody knows” what the weather will be like tomorrow.
But some forecasters are a lot better than, for example, you.
Does anyone think a projection is a guarantee? Sigh. Read something on forecasting.
Right because those number couldn’t possibly mean he’s working on whatever the Braves have asked him to on his swing as most do during spring. Smh
Kelenic stinks man. His swing is awful. You’ll notice most hitters who are working on things don’t look that pathetic
So true. Even when there is contact, it is weak..
@Travis’ Wood – How grounded are you in your statements? He just been lucky? Is that horse finding water a few times?
I think they told him to get hits, and he seemingly can’t do it. I guess you could say that a 23.6% K% isn’t awful?
I think the actual results may be somewhere inbetween braves and rands comment. Kelenic is with his third team in about 5 years. He has underwhelmed his supposed potential and needs to channel his energy. I generally agree you shouldn’t make snap judgement on ST stats good or bad (as well as last 2 months) on a team that won’t be making the playoffs. I am a NYM and feel in the short term (next year or 2) for best results he should be platooned (fewer at bats against LHP) He can focus, be prepared, fit in as a teammate and work on his defense to contribute. New batting coach, some new ideas could help.
Except for the last three seasons of him being really bad. SMH.
It’s Spring Training man. Good lord with the alarmist nonsense.
And yet the Braves waited until now to sign duvall…. And you’re trying to say it has nothing to do with Kelenic looking like a minor leaguer? Lol ok man
This is more of a depth move than reactionary at a very good cost. I’m pretty sure Duvall had better offers.
Yes, a depth move at a position they no longer feel confident in. Kelenic was supposed to play every day. If that was still the case there’s be little reason to sign duvall. Now there’s a clear platoon with the chance duvall takes over regular reps if Kelenic struggles, which there’s a decent chance
They wouldn’t have been able to sign Duvall for that if they hadn’t waiting 2 weeks before the season. Patience is a virtue. Duvall has rebuilt his value before in ATL, and in a lineup anywhere near historic as last season, and if he’s healthy, he’ll be able to do it again.
Kelenic still has a minors option. He can play everyday at AAA to get more seasoning.
And they wouldn’t have wanted to sign duvall if they felt confident about Kelenic playing every day….
Sure but Kelenic at AAA was certainly not their plan….
Aaron Judge didn’t have his breakout rookie campaign until 25. His AAA numbers at 24 weren’t exactly earth-shaking. Duvall is cheap insurance. I don’t see a reason to complain about this deal.
Comparing Kelenic to Judge sure is something. And who’s complaining about the deal? It’s great value for duvall. I’m only pointing out what most of baseball has know for a while. Kelenic isn’t very good
The point I’m trying to make is hitters breakout later. So I guess you don’t like AA trading for Kelenic.
Kelenic is seasoned more than my cast iron skillet already, YBC. Doubtful they’re going to do that. There’s nothing left for him to really learn and a demotion almost feels like it’d hurt him more mentally. He needs to sink or swim consistently up in the majors. Duvall provides good back up here for a platoon split and can jump in more fully if Jared flounders. It’s a good move and fit either way.
Well it could also have to do with Duvalls market. Surely he wanted more than 3mil. For all we know they’ve had an offer out for months. Anytime a player is working on their stance so much this late it is a decent idea to have a backup early on at the least. Tho I fully expected him to be tweaking his stance.
I did not like the trade for Kelenic, no. I actually think Kowar was a nice piece too but now he’s out for the season.
I like this option the best and play Forrest wall/Duvall. The Duvall Wall combo
Just shut up man. We get it. You just keep saying the same thing over and over.
Are u talking to me
I was talking to Travis’ Wood
When it all comes down to it it doesn’t really matter for the braves who is batting 8th and playing in that outfield spot. I could go play right field and the team would still win 94 plus games this year. The acquisition of jk was all about the five years of control at cheap rate. You’re trying really hard to get braves fans to care about this but we really don’t because we still have the best lineup in baseball no matter what jk does. The Atlanta braves are not a small market team anymore so we really don’t care if this was a bad move by AA because all of the other ones have pretty much been golden. Furthermore we got JK for two guys who are having Tommy John surgery and wouldn’t be doing anything for the braves right now so it’s a win-win if this guy gets one WAR.
Nobody in baseball has been saying that Jk isn’t very good because he was actually above replacement value last year. Ever heard of the theory of relativity? Well, if most other teams made the move the Atlanta braves made for JK it wouldn’t have been a good deal but because the Atlanta braves have the best lineup and baseball and are printing money in the battery we can afford to take a chance on a 24-year-old who hasn’t lived up to expectations but as the potential and begin to show it last year that it could produce at the major league level above replacement value…. Jk in the Mariners lineup with high expectations compared to JK in the Atlanta braves lineup with no pressure to produce out of the eight hole. Even if he produces what he produced last year every year for the Atlanta braves over the 5 years he is here then he is worth it RELATIVE to him putting up one and a half war for another team that is going nowhere. And that’ message is approved by an Atlanta braves stockholder.
there is no correlation between spring and season
The stat line is obviously ugly, but I highly doubt the Braves are putting a ton of weight on ST stats. I think it’s far more likely they’re looking to see if he’s making the adjustments they want to see, and only they know that.
I highly doubt the thought of ever giving Kelenic full time playing time is gone.
The stat line isn’t pretty but all of his RBI have come in the last 3 games played. Silver lining is his K-rate is down from 33% last year to his MiLB average of >25%. This is all in a month of a half of work, mind you, while getting acclimated and not having any consistency in a lineup order.
Honestly if he were an average prospect at age 24 the idea of platooning him (he still is getting most of the abs as a lefty) would be quite ordinary. Largely just Mariners fan baggage because they are never good. Sure maybe he’ll stink. Idk. The Mariners have been great with relievers but ATL is routinely a place people succeed. It is a better environment for him (the lineup and the lack of fan pressure). The only Brave I remember seeing booed (besides Justice) was Ozuna. Southern hospitality is not entirely false. The only problem I see is taking a guy who is already lost in his career and whispering in his ear how to change it-tho it is necessary. It is likely gonna be a bumpy road. Braves fan be patient. Mariners cannot.
The Mariners are never good??? Yeah, the Mariners aren’t exactly the Braves, but they only got knocked out of the playoffs on the last day of the season in ’23 and made the playoffs in ’22. They are in a competitive window and hope to stay in one for the next few seasons. Anyway my assumption with Kelenic was that Atlanta was not the best place for him to go; because he’s a diva & loves being the focus of attention. He can’t be that in Atlanta with that star-studded lineup and would in fact be the opposite: the forgotten man, the overlooked man. That’s not who he thinks he is and it will affect his motivation and mental outlook. And with Kelenic everything is mental.
“Mariners fan baggage because they are never good”. I mean yes they are decent. I simply mean that so many years of mostly losing will create an atmosphere where baggage flourishes. I’m not talking about now alone but if anything those last 2 seasons are more frustrating than anything. To lose partially because of a poor managerial decision to take out your closer for no apparent reason for a guy who isn’t even a reliever is frustrating. To miss on the last day is frustrating. Hence….there is frustration.
Great OF for stacked ATL
At least 2/4 of them are great.
Enough to demolish the Mets.
Ok.Now Braves fans have a problem when you say they have two great outfielders. Yes Acuna and Harris would beat a lot of teams.
Lol I’m just playing. 2 are great but there’s some real good potential everywhere and depth currently on ATL roster
No doubt. The roster is loaded but left field is by far their weakest position.
You’re right, Mets — ATL was 20th of 30 MLB teams in ’23 in LF bWAR (-0.9) with Rosario (1.1 bWAR)/Pillar (-0.1 bWAR). Considering they now have 2 LF (Duvall, Kelenic) that had higher 2023 bWARs in only two-thirds of the season than Rosario, I’d say that’s an upgrade.
Kelenic is going to be a bitter disappointment for you. He’s a major head case.
We won’t hold being drafted by the Mets against him…they’ve done more with less. D’Arnaud has fit in just nice. Even if he doesn’t pan out in the 5 years of cheap control, we’re talking about $15M acquisition fee. As you’ve said about NYM’s $100M luxury tax — it’s not my money.
Wasn’t it $28 million?
When the only hole that’s not legit top 10 in every position player is left field I’m ok. Pitching staff is ranked top of class. Bullpen looks deep. ATL should fare nice at their modest payroll to quality ratio.
I would argue that shortstop could be the worst production for wins above replacement by the end of the year.
According to espn the braves need an upgrade at second base. Those clowns did not have albies in the top 10. I think what happened was they had a late addition of betts as a second baseman put him in and forgot to rerank albies and left him out of the top 10.
Take that for the grain of salt it’s worth — while they didn’t rank Albies in the top-10 of 2B, they ranked him as 36th in the top-100 of all players in 2024 (or 3rd-highest 2B, with Betts now at SS), behind Semien & Altuve.
How were the Padres not in on him? $3M is nothing for a guy who could put up the number he is capable of.
Could possibly be geographic preference for Duvall
They may have been. We never really hear “all” the deets. It could be something as simple as Duvall likes living in ATL. Good signing ATL!
I would like a little more LF insurance especially if the cost is cheap. Pham reunion?
I know it’s inherently “risky” to carry more than one rook… but at this point I’d say give Pauley some looks in LF. Phorget about Pham, he’s not well-liked.
Not sure how Pauley will translate to LF, but I do want his bat in the lineup everyday (or at least against righties). My only pause with Pham would be his little snafu with Kim in 2021.. probably overthinking and I’m sure they moved past it, but I don’t want the FO to do anything that jeopardizes resigning Kim.
Think Pauley will be playing 3rd while manny dh’s. Padres could use another left fielder. Not sure about Pham. Think maybe it could be via trade is they decide to add.
Yeah I sorta expect him to DH and maybe cover Machado’s rest days at 3B and rarely sub for Jake at 1B. I think there’s enough utility there to be worthwhile, but all the better if he can play a passable LF.
Give it to Azocar for a few weeks then. He has hit well enough in ST to give 7-10 games.
I would rather see him in CF and Merrill in LF, tbh. At least to begin the season.
We all thought that 2 months ago until Merrill played the entire ST in CF, looked really good and stated he prefers CF – more up the middle approach – so, that is the more current status of CF.
That’s true, but Azocar’s bat does not profile at all for LF besides a defensive replacement. Not that he can’t be valuable as a platoon partner with Merrill. All said, if Merrill takes to CF well when the games count, I think Padres will be pretty happy only having to plug LF mid-season; they have some internal options there and the defensive bar is low enough that thsy can try a few waiver options to add some power.
SD needs to do something in LF. If you’re going to trade prospects for Cease and make a run at it in 2024 you have to fill that position with someone who can provide some decent offensive output. Duvall would have fit there.
I’m jealous of this move by ATL at this price point. Strong OF group over there.
Duvall would’ve been perfect on a flier. Admittedly the Ks/contact scare me and I feel like he could fall off a cliff any moment, but Profar is admittedly in a far more precarious spot despite his ability to bat switch. I still have some hope Marsee can force the issue and make his way back to the ML roster sooner rather than later.
@CNichols. My sentiments exactly. They need to address this last need. But I don’t see another meaningful upgrade in LF in FA market (no Pham please), and was hoping they’d land Duvall. So any addition in LF will have to likely come during via trade and more likely during season. It does appear as if they will just role with Profar and wait and see I guess.
“How were the Padres not in”….You may have noticed the Padres have been focused on acquiring Dylan Cease. You can’t get everyone you know.
Definitely looks like Duvall took a discount to come back to Atlanta. Who’s to say what it would have taken to sign him elsewhere.
Padres can’t afford him.
Another case of the rich getting richer. But I can’t blame Duvall. Other teams never made the plunge.
Ugh. Was hoping he’d be a Padre.
How serious is the Acuña injury?
Not at all. Acuna is back in the lineup today.
Ok. I wrote that before I knew Duvall would platoon with Kelenic and thought it was weird they would sign him just to ride the bench.
Our ninja GM strikes again. Welcome back Adam Duvall. Go Braves !
I love how Braves fans think every move this dude makes and a the greatest thing since sliced bread. If I could only have a cult following like this GM does.
At least they are not paying $100 mill in luxury tax to finish 4th
It didn’t come out of my pocket and the owner didn’t lose any sleep over it. I think the team will be alright.
Hahaha. Meanwhile the Mets are perennial jobbers.
Did I hurt your feelings about your unhealthy man crush?
Nah, I actually think your feelings are hurt because you’re a fan of a team that is a laughing stock.
They are not alright. We have teams like the Marlins and DBacks making the playoffs and where are the LOLMETS?
You didn’t faze me one bit. The Braves are in their 153rd season and have a whole four world championships. Their clip is actually worse then the Mets but laugh away.
Thats 2 more than the Mets. The fact that you took the time to do research on the Braves just to try to make a point says otherwise.
Yet you researched how many the Mets had. Can you do the math in how many less years the Mets have been in existence then the Braves or do you have to go back to staring at your signed picture of AA on your nightstand?
Just go ahead and whip ’em out already.
Don’t act like Mets fans haven’t drank Cohen’s Kool-Aid. Only difference is, AA has a WS title whereas Cohen has a Twitter/X account and lots of promises.
Actually I didn’t do any research I knew how many they have won (One in the 60’s & ’86 in case you weren’t sure.) and I don’t have an AA signed picture but I do have a signed Hank Aaron baseball.
Congrats on the Hank Aaron baseball. That is something be very proud of.
This was yet another great signing by the braves. I’m sorry that braves fans getting excited about it got your panties in a bunch, but the point is that many teams were in on Duvall and it’s the braves who weren’t expected to be in on him who came out on top. And another point is that AA has demonstrated time and time again that he can field a perennial contending team year in and year out, while locking up our core for years to come, a core that is comprised of pretty much nothing but all stars and mvp candidates. He also makes necessary moves to bring in players either by signing or trading that could, and have had great impacts on getting us to the postseason, and in the past few years helping advance us through the playoffs, and he’s also shipped out players that either get too expensive to keep around that would highly restrain our abilities to not only make moves like this Duvall signing which help out our team tremendously, but could also hinder us from locking up certain core pieces that potentially have better futures of personal and team success ahead of them. Many many many teams would love to have AA as their gm, and many wish their teams could be run in the same way the braves operate. So getting mad at braves fan, isn’t because we are a cult, it’s because you are jealous, and hey man that’s fine, about half the league is jealous of the way AA has not only built a contender, but built one for years to come with great young talent, while teams like the Mets destroy their future salary commitments to younger players and a longer window of contention, by going for ridiculous win now modes by signing old players well past their primes and injury prone trying to contend one year and take it year by year after that. It isn’t a stable way to run a franchise. Sure they might be good enough to contend one year, but the next they are in the gutter. Case in point, the Mets. They should stop buying their way to contention, and build a solid foundation with youngsters and veterans, stop spending way too much on stars who show up for the money, and not the team. They had so much star power, but lacked any real chemistry that could have and should have made them a lock for the post season. id rather have AA making all the right moves, than Cohen buying his way through everything hoping something sticks.
What are you talking about? That’s all the Mets are doing right now is trying to build with youth. You do realize this is only been year three right? You also realize the last time Duval was in Atlanta his OPS was .687. Crazy good signing. Hope he returns to Atlanta form for you. You all were begging for his replacement not but a little over a year ago.
AA is HIM
I know this has nothing to do with Kelenic and everything to do with Acuna.
Lol no
Oh, do you? Based upon your intimate knowledge of the Braves front office and Acuna’s medical records? Please tell me more about how you know so much more than everyone else.
Easy. The Braves don’t lose much if Kelenic fails. If Acuna gets hurt or needs to miss time, the team will suffer. Duvall is insurance in case Acuna needs to rest his knee periodically.
This has to do with not wanting to start the season with Forrest Wall or Jordan Luplow as the 4th outfielder. Not about Acuña, or Kelenic, although it may cut some playing time for Kelenic.
This is a great signing. Great depth move.
Happy he gets to goto a place that he seems to feel comfortable and respected!
Such a good signing. Braves are team to beat on paper – this coming from a Dodgers fan. Just super glad he’s not a Padre cause they needed him, and he was in their price range!!!
Of course, Taylor and Pham are still out there for the Padres, so….
The Padres have a CF a need a big bat (Duvall) more than defense (Taylor). So yes logically Pham is the choice in FA market though he would be a very unpopular signing in SD. But I have to ask, since you’re a Dodgers fan, are you really relieved the Pads didn’t sign Duvall? I personally don’t think LA has anything to worry about, in terms of regular season this year, when it comes to the division rivals. Even though it’s now perhaps the best division in baseball….oh wait, the Rockies are in the division, I forgot. Nevermind.
Well, I’m more worried about Arizona but that’s not emotional for me. Padres are!
Dodgers and Braves are a lock for at minimum 100 wins this season. I envy the sustainable success of both lol
Death and taxes, Duvall signed by the Braves. I’m sure he’ll put up his normal slugging numbers with the Braves, that’s a very affordable deal too!
I’ll take Adam Duvall in my outfield all 7 days of the week.
Health is the biggest variable with Duvall. If he’s healthy he’ll rake, if not . . .
Duvall is a regression candidate. Turning age 36 can be cruel to players like him.
Well yeah obviously but its 3 million dollars at the end of the day.
True but he’s not being counted on full time.
That’s quite a bargain for Duvall if there are no incentives clauses.
I get Duvall never really overwhelmed. But he seems as though he’s a good teammate and many teams do much worse with a 3rd OF or depth/platoon option. Yet he’s stuck routinely settling for 1 year deals.
Skye bolt on minor league contract- for Atlanta- catch lightning in a bottle
If nothing else, this guy’s name will always be major league ready.
AA is hilariously overrated, especially on this website which features multiple Jays fan writers who just refuse to criticize this guy.
Hilariously overrated?
He has won a world series, Locked up the entire core of players to team friendly deals, acquired an entire outfield in 2021 at the trade deadline that was absolutely critical to the Braves winning. He’s not the god some people make him out to be but What else do you want from a GM? lmao. Nice try though sourpuss
….there’s others posts that are better evidence of AA being overrated, but signing Duvall for 1/$3M ain’t it.
@rundmc
Exactly, and it’s fair to say he isn’t the same GM now as he was in Toronto. His MO in Toronto was splashy trades and overpriced veterans. Now his MO is locking up young players.
Atlanta Ticktockers
Atlanta Berzerkers
Atlanta_____________
What will be there new name is a couple years?
Crackers
Atlanta Tea-Totalers
Atlanta Bible-Thumpers
Atlanta Holy-Rollers
LFG! Love this dude.
Prices are dropping like end of the day sales at a Sunday Flea Market!
Awesome, I’m a bit surprised however. I’m glad Duvall is back though, the Braves and Duvall can’t seem to quit each other. Nice guy to have as a fourth outfielder or if Kelenic sucks.
I think this is more about Duvall not finding a starting job than giving up on Kelenic
Braves have told Kelenic he will platoon with Duvall. So that settles that debate.
Is it too bold to predict he’ll have more ABs by the end of the year than Kelenic?
I like it 3 mil for a guy that can be a bench bat and backup outfielder. This isn’t just insurance for Kelnic but also if Ronald has to miss some games here and there
He is gonna be in a platoon with Kelenic.
Duvall will definitely be wearing a Braves cap on his HOF plaque.
Breslow let this one get away. Duvall is basically replacing Pillar as the 4th OF and for the Braves, any extra option to keep Ozuna out of the Outfield is a good one
You do know Duvall was an FA right? And with that fanbase, anyone with a choice thats played in Boston isnt going back. It just isnt worth it.
.088 spring avg can inspire
MIchael Taylor would rather be unemployed at this point.
How many 40 man spots have they got left? Could grab some interesting depth as teams trim rosters
Braves got a bargain. Good signing.
They basically swapped the lefty Rosario for a similar right handed hitter, with Kelenic being lefty. And saved at least a mil probably. They had very bad depth outside of darnaud
I’d take Duvall all day over Rosario.
They have been working on kelenic swing all spring. He will bounce back so Duvall is gonna add depth if he doesn’t turn around or acuna has to miss extra time. Don’t rush acuna back
This move makes the most sense. They have someone who can play everyday if necessary. They waited as long as they could’ve.
Dead Sox couldn’t have put up three lousy million? Introducing your 2024 Boston Athletics.
You ought to be more mad about them giving away Mookie Betts.
That’s right up there with Babe Ruth. And Boston has money they spend $200 mil every year but how they didn’t just sign him to an extension and cry poor is an unforgivable baseball sin.
Good move. Very thin bench. Acuña’s knee isn’t 100% right now. And Kelenic is a complete wild card. Like it
I’m more of the opinion that it’s the precipitous drop in Duvall’s asking price.
Haha…AA gets insurance for when Kelenic throws another tantrum and kicks something else.
I don’t think I can stress enough how much better Kelenic/Duvall platoon is better than Rosario/Pillar… stoked with this signing, and somehow Braves have got better this off season! (On paper)
That idiot Preller could not find $3M for a real OF?!? Instead we get to watch Profar do his best Adam Engel impersonation.
If the padres are healthy, they look like a good team. Last year was a fluke.
This is Preller again not admitting that he was wrong on a player. He has loved Profar since he scouted him with the Texas Rangers and has always been convinced that he is HOF material. Profar was a bust and Preller won’t fess up to his misjudging a prospect.
Another solid acquisition by the Braves, will probably get 400 AB’s or so on that team. Surprised he didn’t get a little more money from a team with more of a need like the Padres or Blue Jays. Mashes lefties and can play 1B too. NL East race will be a fun one to watch.
Solid veteran addition for the Braves.
This guy will live on the IL and tear up the ball for just a month
You’re acting like he didn’t play for ATL 2 previous times, including the replacement for Acuña in 2021. You’re preaching to the choir.
I’m not against this deal, just so you know.
I just remember him on the Red Sox last year and he’s not getting any younger. That being said, signing him for 3 million was a steal. Braves probably don’t need him with all the other guys they have.
I love this move. Braves just got better. Nice job AA!
Basically same stats as Jeimer Candelario in fewer at bats, at a fraction of Candelario money!
I think Duvall did come up as a corner IF with the Giants. But I strongly suspect he wouldn’t have basically same stats as Jeimer Candelario at 3B.
There’s a reason it costs a lot more to sign a good defensive IF with the same offensive stats as Adam Duvall.
Kelenic will still get plenty of time. Acuna may see some early rest with his knee and Duvall can plug in at DH too. Duvall can play both corners, so it’s a very economical depth move and insurance policy for a long season.
Duvall must really love Atlanta. This is his 3rd stint with them.
This is a no-brainer at $3M. Even with JK working out as planned in LF, they are contenders and need a top 4th outfielder who isn’t a sharp drop off in production. Duval can play all 3 positions who is a known commodity to the organization and shouldn’t mess with team chemistry. It’s too early to jump to conclusions on JK, but Duval is a nice insurance backup who can take on a full-time role if needed.
How does Adam Duvall get $3M and Hunter Renfroe gets $6.5M? Actually hoping someone can explain the logic for me.
The Royals are stupid and grossly overpaid for Renfroe is the only explanation I can come up with
Because Hunter Renfroe is also an NFL Wide Receiver…. unfortunately he was recently fired by the Raiders. So I guess he can focus on bade all unless another nfl team signs him.
Injury history would be my guess
Royals should’ve signed him instead of Hunter Renfroe. Cheaper, better fielder and more power