If Nothing Else, Atlanta Braves Must Bring Back Adam Duvall

As the 2021 season approaches with no major middle of the order bat acquired, it becomes more evident that the Braves must bring back Adam Duvall to fill the hole in left field. 

Back in December the Atlanta Braves non-tendered Adam Duvall, which managed to save them roughly $5-7 million for the upcoming season. At the time it was thought that this money would be used for other signings, but what has been done since then? Not much.

I can’t really say I’m not becoming concerned with the way this offseason is progressing as it seems Alex Anthopoulos is playing the long game as it pertains to Marcell Ozuna and his contract demands.

Even if this is the case, you’d think there would be a move made to ensure that the Braves won’t completely miss out on securing that left field position with Duvall.

Of course, Duvall’s performance against righties is a bit concerning, but when the options are continuing to dwindle and you consider everything that Duvall has brought to this team, you’d think it’d be a no-brainer to bring him back.

It is completely understandable why Duvall was non-tendered in the first place as his contract was a little high for a player who was suspected to partake in a left field platoon. But other options that were speculated to replace Duvall have since signed with other teams: Michael Brantley (Astros), Eddie Rosario (Cleveland), and George Springer (Blue Jays) — even though that was a long shot.

In 2020, Duvall hit .287 with 16 HRs, 33 RBI, and an .833 OPS. Duvall played a huge part in the Braves’ offense last season, which unfortunately was cut short by an oblique injury in the NLCS.

Even though Duvall may not be the massive middle of the lineup hitter the Braves may be seeking, he still plays an important part in the lineup as well as in left field.

The situation regarding Ozuna emphasizes the need for Duvall to return as there is no telling whether or not the Braves will meet Ozuna’s number. Duvall can at least be the backup option and a good one at that if Ozuna does not return to the Braves.

A lot can happen in the next few weeks, but at this rate, it is a bit concerning that the Braves may end up with the leftovers if something is not completed soon.

It would be a kick to the gut if Ozuna ends up signing elsewhere and not much later, Duvall does the same leaving the Braves scrambling to do something about left field as the season approaches.

Do you believe Duvall should be brought back regardless of Ozuna’s status? Or should the Braves continue to wait for Ozuna to sign before deciding on whether or not to pursue Duvall?