Adam Duvall is ready to walk away from baseball if his price isn’t met. The 2021 World Series champion with the Braves has set a clear boundary for his free agency: $3 million guaranteed or retirement.
Duvall recently turned down a $1 million offer from the Royals that included another $1 million in potential performance bonuses, according to the New York Post. His $3 million demand matches exactly what he earned with Atlanta last season.
The 36-year-old outfielder struggled at the plate in 2024, hitting just .182 overall with 11 home runs. He was more effective against left-handed pitching, where he managed a .252 average during what was his third stint with the Braves.
What makes Duvall valuable is his track record. He was instrumental in Atlanta’s 2021 championship run, blasting 38 homers and winning a Gold Glove in right field that season. Braves fans won’t soon forget his grand slam in Game 5 of the World Series that helped push Atlanta toward the title.
With 195 career home runs, Duvall sits just five shy of the 200 mark – a milestone he’d likely reach if he returns for a 12th MLB season. He’s already earned more than $27 million throughout his career.
Duvall isn’t alone in his stance against taking below-market deals. Fellow veteran Anthony Rizzo, 35, recently told The Athletic he’s rejected offers from teams wanting him “to play for basically league minimum” ($760,000).
“You’re almost trying to ruin the market for the next guy,” Rizzo explained. “If teams are not going to want to pay a few million dollars for veterans, I’ve seen it the last 10 years of my career. It’s what happens to the older guys. They kind of get squeezed.”
For Duvall, it seems the decision is straightforward – either get paid what he believes he’s worth or begin the next chapter of his life beyond baseball.
