MLB Rumors: Adam Duvall Down to Red Sox, Angels as 'Likely' Free-Agent Landing Spots

Free agent Adam Duvall is "likely" to sign with either the Boston Red Sox or the Los Angeles Angels, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

Duvall spent last season with the Red Sox on a one-year, $7 million deal.

The 35-year-old was one of the team's most reliable batters before he was sidelined by a fractured wrist in April, returning in June to slash .247/.303/.531 while batting in 58 runs and hitting 21 homers in 92 games on the year.

The former Gold Glove Award winner has experience in every outfield spot, where he played with the Red Sox, as well as at first base, where he spent time earlier in his career.

The Red Sox did not extend a qualifying offer to Duvall, which would have come out to a $20.5 million, one-year deal. But they could be interested in seeing the 35-year-old return at a lower price.

After all, Duvall proved he had the potential to be one of the hottest batters in the league prior to last season's injury. He batted .455 with 14 RBI and four home runs through eight games of 2023 before fracturing his wrist.

Duvall is also heading into his 11th season in MLB, so he could offer a veteran presence on either the Red Sox or Angels, two teams that are looking to rebound in 2024 after a pair of disappointing seasons.

If Duvall returns to Boston, it is likely he will spend some time in the outfield rather than be playing a permanent role as designated hitter.

The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham, who also wrote earlier this week that the Red Sox and Duvall "remain in touch," reported the team plans to "spread around" at-bats rather than employing a regular DH.

That means Duvall's outfield experience could be a plus, especially as the Red Sox look to recover from their defensive struggles. Statcast ranked the 2023 Red Sox as MLB's second-worst defensive team since 2016.