Braves expressing interest in Adam Duvall, focused on 'what I'm trying to do here'

Image courtesy of Getty Images

The Red Sox will have to make some decisions on its roster in the coming days leading up to the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 1. Boston has some pieces to sell and outfielder Adam Duvall could fetch the club back pieces that better suit the roster.

The Braves have reportedly expressed interest in another reunion with Duvall, according to MassLive’s Sean McAdam. If the Sox were to deal the slugger to Atlanta, it would be the third time he’s been traded to the Braves in his career.

“I’ve never signed a multi-year deal, so I’m not ignorant to it,” Duvall said to McAdam. “I know there’s always talk. But I really try and stay focused on what I’m trying to do here, and that’s helping this ballclub win.”

Duvall is playing on a one-year, $7 million pact he signed in the offseason. The slugger was scorching hot out of the gate but was sidelined eight games in after breaking his left wrist. He’s been slowly showing signs of life at the plate but with the emergence of Jarren Duran, Duvall’s regular playing time has dwindled.

“Honestly, I’ve heard people talk, but I haven’t read anything. I try and stay away from it,” added Duvall. “Because there’s always going to be noise, there’s always going to be something distracting you. I truly believe that, you know what, I can show up today and help the team win.”

Wax Pack Wisdom: 2018 Topps Update [Ep. 007] Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr Rookie Cards?

Duvall is hoping to remain with the Red Sox and help the club get into the postseason. Boston is just two games back of the final AL wild-card spot.

“I enjoy showing up with this group of guys every day and I feel like we’re playing really good baseball right now,” said Duvall. “I don’t have any control over (what happens), but like I said, I enjoy showing up with this group every single day. It’s been fun to watch guys get better, watch guys get acclimated. We’re really trending in the right direction.”

While the Braves are showing interest, it’s unclear if Boston is reciprocating the same sentiment.

With only $2.3 million left on his deal this season, the Kentucky native is an extremely attractive trade commodity. Boston could look to acquire a starting pitcher or another reliever for the bullpen for the outfielder.

Now fully healthy, Joely Rodriguez is proving his value

With being traded three times during the trade deadline, Duvall has the experience with how to deal with the deadline.

“It’s never easy,” he said. “You’ve got to pick your family up and move and find a place. You’re starting the season all over again. I know that it’s not easy. (No matter how often it’s happened), I don’t know that you be prepared for it, because I’m trying to stay mentally focused on where I’m at right now that I don’t even let myself go to, ‘OK, well if this were to happen...’ I don’t even go there.

“It’ll be a surprise to me if something happens. I really like this group of guys.”

Boston could pivot and keep Duvall and trade utilityman Kiké Hernández, who has struggled at the plate and defensively this season. With the logjam in the infield, the Sox will need to make a move this week and Hernández could be a roster casualty.

If the Sox move on from Hernández, they could have a trade partner with one of his former teams.

Red Sox reinstates infielder Pablo Reyes off the IL, option 2 relievers, other decisions looming

The Dodgers are expected to pursue a right-handed hitter and Hernández’s name has come up as a possibility.

“Los Angeles also would consider a reunion with Enrique Hernández, a league source said, if he is willing to fit into the kind of niche role the Dodgers are seeking to fill,” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote on Sunday. “Hernández, who wants to be an everyday player, has spent the past three seasons in Boston but could be the odd man out this weekend in the Red Sox’s pending roster crunch.”

Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique

For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.