Summer is full of traditions, like trips to the lake, or cooking some food on the grill. For the Atlanta Braves, it's become a tradition to trade for Adam Duvall.
Of course, the trade hasn't, and may not happen. MassLive.com's Sean McAdams reports that the Braves have some interest in trading for Duvall a third time at this year's deadline. He's been traded four times in his career since coming up to the majors.
The 34-year-old outfielder started 2023 red-hot, with an OPS over 1.500 and four home runs in the first eight games of the season. He was honored with his first Player of the Week honor of his career before missing almost two months with a wrist fracture.
He's cooled off at the plate since then, hitting below .200 since returning to the lineup back in early June. Duvall is back on a bit of an upswing, hitting .260 over his last seven games.
When he was traded to Atlanta for the first time in 2018, Duvall struggled at the plate to the tune of a .132 batting average with no home runs in the back half of the season. He rebounded with solid seasons in 2019 and 2020, combining 26 home runs and an average OPS of .850 across the two seasons. Ultimately, he was non-tendered and signed a one-year deal with the Marlins prior to the 2021 season.
Duvall returned to the Braves at the 2021 deadline, in the midst of what would be a career year at the plate. He ended the season with a career-high 38 home runs and 113 RBIs, providing a boost to propel the Braves on a run to the NL East crown, and eventually, the World Series title. The following year, he would suffer a season-ending wrist injury that would end his second stint with Atlanta.
The Braves have already gone to work with two trades in 2023, adding Pierce Johnson and Taylor Hearn for some bullpen depth. Atlanta will still be in the market for another arm or two, and some outfield depth as well. Duvall is a familiar and affordable rental who would be welcomed back to Atlanta to help the Braves clinch up the NL East and make another run at a championship.