Adam Duvall voiced his dissatisfaction with the current state of baseball free agency, highlighting a perceived shift in team priorities towards analytical projections over experience and character. Despite a challenging offseason, Duvall expressed happiness with rejoining the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $3 million deal. He expressed nostalgia and excitement about returning to the team, where he is highly respected and popular among teammates and fans.
Braves reliever A.J. Minter praised the signing, calling it a steal and emphasizing Duvall’s impact on the team. The Braves plan to use Duvall in a left-field platoon with Jared Kelenic. Despite Kelenic’s struggles in spring training, the team has seen improvement and values his attitude and defense.
Duvall has a history of success with the Braves, hitting 54 home runs in 272 games over five seasons. He acknowledged the stressful nature of free agency, especially in the current landscape, but expressed relief and happiness with his new deal. The Braves value Duvall’s versatility and see him as a valuable asset in case of injuries.
Manager Brian Snitker praised Duvall’s character and performance, highlighting his strong start with the Boston Red Sox last season before an injury sidelined him. Duvall’s performance with the Braves in 2021, including a career-high 38 home runs and a standout performance in the postseason, contributed to the team’s decision to bring him back.
Braves reliever Tyler Matzek, reflecting on Adam Duvall’s return to the team, praised the front office for their savvy move in signing Duvall to a one-year deal. Matzek noted the surprise among players at getting Duvall at such a bargain, considering his talent and past performance. Duvall, despite his strong track record, found himself facing a market where older players and those not favored by certain analytics were undervalued.
Duvall himself expressed disappointment at the lack of appreciation for experienced players in free agency, emphasizing the value of veteran presence and leadership. He commended the Braves for their approach, focusing on creating moments in big games and postseason play, and for their ability to bring in players with strong character and a winning mentality.
Manager Brian Snitker echoed these sentiments, highlighting Duvall’s character and contributions to the team’s success. He expressed his excitement at Duvall’s return, emphasizing the outfielder’s impressive performance in the previous season. Despite Duvall’s struggles in 2018 after being traded to Atlanta, his subsequent resurgence in Triple-A and his impact in the majors have endeared him to his teammates.
Teammate A.J. Minter acknowledged Duvall’s resilience and positive attitude, noting the outfielder’s challenging journey, including dealing with Type 1 diabetes. Duvall’s perseverance and hard work have earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates, who recognize the challenges he has overcome to succeed in professional baseball.
