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Former Boston Red Sox Outfielder Contemplating MLB Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Conor Liguori | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 10:30 AM ET

On Monday, the New York Post's Joel Sherman reported that former Boston Red Sox outfielder Adam Duvall will not accept less than $3 million for his 2025 MLB contract. Sherman added that Duvall would retire if he could not secure the desired contract.

Reportedly, Duvall turned down a one-year, $1 million contract offer from the Kansas City Royals. The 36-year-old is seeking a bounce-back year, hitting-wise, after batting .182 with a 57 OPS+ in 104 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2024.

https://t.co/qQg2MbszqN The Royals recently tried to sign Adam Duvall, but he has made it clear to all suitors -- he will be paid what he believes is a fair price or retire.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 3, 2025

Duvall's downfall at the plate was strikeouts, something he did 99 times in 330 plate appearances last season. The righty had a successful 2023 with the Red Sox, hitting 21 home runs in 92 games.

The veteran suffered a left distal radius fracture in his wrist in an early April game that season against the Detroit Tigers. Playing center field, he awkwardly landed on his wrist, diving for a shallow pop-up behind second base. Duvall did not return to MLB action until early June.

On paper, the Red Sox are loaded with designated hitter options. Manager Alex Cora can utilize Masataka Yoshida, Triston Casas, Trevor Story, or even Rafael Devers at DH. However, Devers has already made it clear he is a third baseman.

In the outfield, rising star Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and some combination of Ceddanne Rafaela and Rob Refsnyder are locked to receive most of the playing time.

Duvall might need to look outside of Boston for his next contract. He could also reconsider his options and accept a minor-league deal, but the latter does not seem likely.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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