The Boston Red Sox are continuing to address their outfield.
According to Craig Mish from the Miami Herald, the Red Sox have signed Adam Duvall to a one year deal worth $7 million. Chris Cotillo from MassLive.com notes that there are bonuses based on plate appearances that could push that amount to $10 million.
Boston Red Sox address outfield with Adam Duvall signing
Duvall had a solid 2021 season, posting a .228/.281/.491 batting line with 38 homers and a National League leading 113 RBI in his 555 plate appearances between the Braves and Marlins. However, he was unable to produce at the same level last season, posting a .213/.276/.401 batting line with 12 homers in his 315 plate appearances as he battled hand and wrist issues.
But Duvall can help the Red Sox in several areas. He is capable of playing anywhere in the outfield while providing solid defense. Duvall has been particularly excellent defensively in left, saving 51 runs, and won a Gold Glove award in 2021. Considering that Masataka Yoshida is a designated hitter masquerading as an outfielder, Duvall makes sense from that standpoint.
He also helps the Red Sox provide coverage at short. Since Trevor Story will be lost for a significant portion of the 2023 campaign, Enrique Hernandez is likely to shift from center. This leaves a hole in the lineup, especially since Jarren Duran has not been able to establish himself at the major league level. Duvall will make that transition easier with his ability to slot around the outfield.
It is also possible that he can be the power threat that the Red Sox need. If he is healthy, Duvall is a proven run producer and someone that can make a drastic impact upon the lineup. His powerful bat made a difference for the Braves in 2021 en route to the World Series; maybe it can be the boost the Red Sox need to move to the edges of contention.
The Boston Red Sox are starting to solve their roster issues. They have reportedly signed Adam Duvall to a one year deal to solidify the outfield.