The Cincinnati Reds have had their fair share of notable players over the years, but few have had the impact that Adam Duvall did during his time with the team.
Duvall, a power-hitting outfielder, was a key contributor to the Reds during his tenure, even earning an All-Star selection in 2016. But how did the Reds acquire Duvall in the first place?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Duvall’s background, his path to the majors, and the breakout season that made him a household name among Reds fans.
So whether you’re a die-hard Reds fan or just a casual baseball enthusiast, read on to learn more about how the team landed one of their most impactful players in recent memory.
Adam Duvall’s Background
Adam Duvall was born on September 4, 1988, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in the nearby town of Georgetown and attended Butler Traditional High School in Louisville.
His Amateur Baseball Career
Duvall’s amateur baseball career began at Butler Traditional High School, where he played as a third baseman and pitcher. He was a standout player and was named a First Team All-State selection in his senior year.
His College Career at the University of Louisville
After graduating from high school, Duvall enrolled at the University of Louisville, where he continued his baseball career as a third baseman.
He had a successful college career, hitting .339 with 25 home runs and 94 RBIs over his three seasons with the team. He was named to the All-Big East First Team in both his sophomore and junior years.
His Selection in the 2010 Mlb Draft
In 2010, Duvall was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 11th round of the MLB Draft. However, he did not sign with the team and instead returned to Louisville for his senior season.
He was later selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 2010 draft and signed with the team.
Adam Duvall’s Path to the Major Leagues
Duvall began his professional baseball career in 2010 with the Reds’ rookie-level team, the Billings Mustangs.
He quickly moved up through the minor league ranks, playing for several Reds’ affiliates over the next few years, including the Dayton Dragons, Bakersfield Blaze, and Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
His Progression Through the Reds’ Farm System
Duvall’s progression through the Reds’ farm system was relatively quick, as he demonstrated his power-hitting ability and solid defense.
In 2014, he played for the Triple-A Louisville Bats and hit .298 with 30 home runs and 95 RBIs, earning him the International League’s Most Valuable Player award.
His Mlb Debut With the Reds in 2014
Duvall made his MLB debut with the Reds on June 26, 2014, against the Chicago Cubs. He played in 28 games for the team that season, hitting .219 with 5 home runs and 9 RBIs.
He spent the majority of the 2015 season in Triple-A, but was called up to the majors in September and played in 27 games for the Reds, hitting .219 with 5 home runs and 9 RBIs.
Adam Duvall’s Breakout Season in 2016
2016 was a breakout year for Adam Duvall, as he became one of the Reds’ most productive players. He played in 150 games, hitting .241 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs. His 33 home runs tied him for fifth in the National League and his 103 RBIs ranked eighth. He also had 31 doubles and a .795 OPS.
His Selection to the All-star Team
Duvall’s impressive numbers in 2016 earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, his first selection. He participated in the Home Run Derby, hitting a total of 28 home runs in the competition.
What Made Duvall So Successful During the Season
Duvall’s success during the 2016 season can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, his power-hitting ability was on full display, as he consistently hit for extra bases and drove in runs.
He also improved his plate discipline, drawing more walks and striking out less frequently than in previous seasons. Additionally, his defense in left field was solid, as he recorded 10 outfield assists and was credited with 11 defensive runs saved.
Overall, Duvall’s breakout season in 2016 established him as one of the Reds’ most productive players and a rising star in the league. Although he never replicated his success from that season, his impact on the team and his contributions to the Reds’ success will not be forgotten by fans.
Adam Duvall’s statistics during his MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds:
| Season | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 28 | .219 | 5 | 9 |
| 2015 | 27 | .219 | 5 | 9 |
| 2016 | 150 | .241 | 33 | 103 |
| 2017 | 157 | .249 | 31 | 99 |
| 2018 | 105 | .205 | 15 | 61 |
This table shows the number of games Adam Duvall played in each season with the Reds, as well as his batting average, home runs, and RBIs during each season.
The data shows that Duvall had a breakout year in 2016, but his production declined in the following seasons before being traded to the Braves in 2018.
FAQ
Was Adam Duvall primarily a third baseman before joining the Reds?
Yes, Duvall played as a third baseman in both his high school and college baseball career. However, he transitioned to playing left field once he joined the Reds’ organization.
How long did Adam Duvall play for the Reds?
Duvall played for the Reds for three seasons, from 2015 to 2018. He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in July 2018.
What was the trade that sent Adam Duvall from the Reds to the Braves?
The Reds traded Duvall to the Braves in exchange for three players: Lucas Sims, Matt Wisler, and Preston Tucker.
Did Adam Duvall have success with the Braves after leaving the Reds?
Yes, Duvall had success with the Braves, hitting .248 with 31 home runs and 90 RBIs over two seasons with the team. He also played a key role in the Braves’ playoff run in 2020, hitting two home runs in the NLCS.
What team does Adam Duvall currently play for?
As of April 2023, Adam Duvall plays for the Miami Marlins, having signed a two-year contract with the team in December 2021.
To Recap
The Cincinnati Reds acquired Adam Duvall in a trade with the San Francisco Giants in 2016 and it was a move that paid off for the Reds. Duvall has been an All-Star, Silver Slugger Award Winner, and Gold Glove Award Winner since joining the Reds.
He’s hit 126 home runs and driven in 404 RBIs while playing solid defense at both first base and left field. As the Reds look to build on their success from 2019, they can thank the acquisition of Adam Duvall as one of the key moves that set them up for success.
