Fried, Duvall take home Gold Glove honors
ATLANTA -- As they await their World Series rings, Max Fried and Adam Duvall can also plan where to display their NL Gold Glove Awards.
Fried and Duvall were the only Braves honored when the Gold Glove Awards were presented on Sunday night. First baseman Freddie Freeman and second baseman Ozzie Albies stood as Atlanta’s only other finalists for this defensive award, which is presented to one player at each position from both the National and American Leagues.
Fried was recognized as the NL’s top defensive pitcher for the second consecutive year. He joins Greg Maddux (10) and Phil Niekro (five) as the only Braves pitchers to ever win multiple Gold Glove Awards.
Duvall was recognized as the NL’s top right fielder. He played just 11 games at the position after being acquired by the Braves on July 30, but he played 66 games there with the Marlins before being traded.
Had Fried not come up through the Minors as a pitcher, Braves manager Brian Snitker believes the talented defender could have become an everyday center fielder at the Major League level. Fried’s athleticism shows at the plate, on the mound and with a glove that has become widely respected.
Fried led all NL pitchers with six defensive runs saved and ranked second with six pickoffs. His ability to limit the running game helped him produce a 1.56 ERA over his final 12 regular-season starts this year.
Duvall ranked first among NL right fielders with nine DRS despite playing just 537 innings at the position. To put this in perspective, the Brewers’ Avisaíl García ranked second with eight DRS, produced over 1,007 innings.
After being acquired by the Braves, Duvall primarily played left field and center field.