Red Sox Free Agent Slugger Signs Elsewhere Despite Reunion Rumors Swirling

The Boston Red Sox brass were vocal earlier in the offseason regarding their desire to upgrade the offense with an impactful right-handed bat that could also provide defensive versatility.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow sought after the aforementioned need following the losses of designated hitter Justin Turner and outfielder Adam Duvall.

With just a couple of weeks until Opening Day, Breslow appears to have completely punted on that need. There was a lot of talk about Duvall potentially coming back after a strong showing at Fenway Park last season -- albeit in a limited sample size. He appeared to fit Breslow's description and many believed his preference was to add an outfielder but a reunion is no longer in the cards.

"The Atlanta Braves today signed outfielder Adam Duvall to a one-year major league contract worth $3 million for the 2024 season," the club announced. 

Duvall hit .247 with 47 extra-base hits including 21 homers, 58 RBIs and a .834 OPS (119 OPS+) in 92 games last season. He missed a good chunk of the season due to a wrist injury but was an impactful bat for the majority of the time he was healthy.

The 35-year-old would have been a strong right-handed bat to bring onto an offense full of question marks from the right-hand side. For that price, he would have basically come free as well.

With that said, the Red Sox already have Masataka Yoshida in the outfielder/primary designated hitter role with the rest of the outfield consisting of Tyler O'Neill, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu and possibly Ceddanne Rafaela. Rob Refsnyder will rejoin the mix as well once he heals from a fractured toe.

There was a logjam in the outfield, leaving no place for Duvall despite his offensive production and swing build for Fenway Park.