Braves Bring Back Familiar Face With Free Agent Signing

March 14, 2024 ,

The Atlanta Braves had insisted all spring that newly acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic would be granted a full-time playing opportunity in left field. But that plan quickly came crashing down to earth after his horrendous performance so far this spring. It's likely that is part of what's behind the Braves electing to bring back a familiar face in the outfield, signing Adam Duvall to presumably platoon with Kelenic.

For Duvall, it's his third stint with the Braves, after serving with the team from 2018 to 2020, then again late in the 2021 season to help with their World Series run, through the 2022 season. The 35-year-old spent last year with the Boston Red Sox, and now is back in the ATL once again. 

In addition to the platoon with Kelenic, Duvall gives Atlanta protection at a lot of other spots as well, as he can play all three outfield positions and first base.

As for Kelenic, a former top prospect with the Seattle Mariners, the Braves acquired him in a trade from the Mariners earlier in the offseason, and had said that they'd give him full-time at-bats. However, he is just 3-for-34 this spring with 9 strikeouts. Platooning seems like an obvious track for him, as he has a career .296 average and .696 OPS vs. RHPs, vs. only .189/.566 vs. southpaws. By adding Duvall, they hope that Kelenic can ease into things by getting his game going against only right-handers.

Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports



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