While it’s not expected to happen, trading Duvall could alter the Atlanta Braves’ off-season thinking.
Let’s bring the disclaimers up front: we have not heard anything about trading Adam Duvall. Of course, we never hear anything directly from the Alex Anthopolous Security Center — better known as the Atlanta Braves Front Office facility. That place could know all the secrets of Area 51 and they’d be safe for eternity.
In our own assessments of the Braves’ off-season, the idea of acquiring a platoon partner for Duvall in left field has seemed entirely attractive.
As a destroyer of southpaws (.894 OPS) Duvall did manage a credible .813 OPS vs. right-handed pitching during this short season… but a lot of that damage came during one incredible 8-day span in early September.
Over his career? .229 vs. RHP with a .747 OPS… and he’s seen plenty of those arms, too: 3 times the number of lefties, in fact; so it isn’t like he hasn’t gotten used to seeing pitches from that side.
It’s not that he doesn’t put in the effort, either — a quote from Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer calls his work ethic “second to none” (subscription link) and an “overworker”. However, he’s also highly streaky.
Part of the reason for keeping Duvall in left field is because he plays the position very well — and we’ve seen the impact that such defense can provide.
But which would be better? Adding a platoon partner for him or trading him elsewhere so that a full-time left fielder could take over?
Consider Michael Brantley, for instance:
- Lefty hitter
- His career splits are .307/.275 (RHP/LHP), though the OPS level drops 134 points.
- His last 4 seasons of hitting: .299/.309/.311/.300 with OPS above .800 each year.
- On his career: .297/.794 OPS
You might think “Yes! Let’s get him to platoon in LF”. Okay, but if that’s the sales pitch, then he’s probably going to sign with another team — one that gives him a full-time role.
There’s the rub: the chances for the Braves to get a better overall hitter for the position might be better if that word “platoon” isn’t mentioned, and that’s why the question about whether trading Duvall could be a path to getting a better everyday hitter — if such a player is can be acquired.
There’s probably not a cut-and-dried answer here: it’s most likely dependent on the hitter you’re talking about pairing — or replacing — Adam Duvall with.
There’s also the monetary angle: Duvall is slated to make somewhere between $4 and $7 million this next year. Can the Braves afford that plus another left fielder, or should they trade Duvall and use that ‘savings’ to help them get a better overall hitter?
Regardless of how this answer ends up, it’s part of why Anthopolous’ daily tasks should not be envied: there are few choices and even fewer “right” choices.