MLB insider comments on Braves interest in Adam Duvall

Earlier in the week, Braves fans received some heart-warming news. According to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, there’s apparently some interest from Alex Anthopoulos in a reunion with Adam Duvall in Atlanta.

On the surface, it makes a lot of sense. Duvall is a powerful right-handed bat that can play much better defense in left field than Eddie Rosario. It would allow Brian Snitker to platoon players based on whoever is pitching and also give the team a boost defensively in the outfield. Not to mention, Duvall is familiar with the Braves organization and fantastic in the clubhouse. If he’s truly available, I would expect Anthopoulos to be interested.

However, Jim Bowden of The Athletic isn’t buying the rumors. Here’s what he had to say in a recent article:

I think Duvall would be an excellent acquisition for the Braves; he’d be the perfect platoon partner with Rosario in left field. Braves fans remember Duvall winning a Gold Glove Award (in right field) with them just two years ago, while hitting 38 home runs and leading the National League with 113 RBIs. However, I’m told the Braves are happy with Pillar in that role, and with the Red Sox just 1 1/2 games back in the wild-card race, they appear to want to hold on to Duvall at this point. I’m also told the Braves are not pursuing him. I love the idea though.

I’m not sure how plugged in Bowden is with either organization. I expect Alex Anthopoulos to at least explore the idea of adding another left fielder with a similar skill set to Duvall. It’s not a necessity, but the Braves need to be doing everything in their power to improve the roster as much as possible before the trade deadline.

I do think the Red Sox selling Duvall at the trade deadline is a 50/50 proposition at this point. They are still in the thick of the Wild Card race, and unless that changes, they aren’t going to want to move any significant pieces. However, they do have a bit of a logjam in the outfield, and Duvall has not been good since returning from the IL in June. There’s the potential they want to make room for other players that have a future with the team.

If I’m the Red Sox, I’m hanging onto Duvall. They only get worse by trading him, and there aren’t many better veteran guys to have around the clubhouse. But if they do insist on selling him, I don’t care what Bowden says; I would be pretty shocked if the Braves didn’t at least inquire.

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