Braves agree to 5-year extension with Ender Inciarte (Updated)

The Atlanta Braves have locked up center fielder Ender Inciarte on a five-year, $30.5 million deal according to a report by FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

The deal also reportedly includes an option for a sixth year.

Inciarte was arbitration eligible in 2017 so this deal buys out at least one year of free agency.

The Braves acquired Inciarte in the famous (infamous) Shelby Miller trade with the Diamondbacks that also brought Dansby Swanson and Aaron Blair into the fold.

Inciarte was hampered by a hamstring injury early on but quickly established himself at the top of the Braves’ order and as one of the best defensive center fielders in the league.

He put up a .291/.351/.381 slash line in 131 games and won the National League’s Gold Glove award for his work in centerfield where he was credited with 15 defensive runs saved. Inciarte was a big part of Atlanta’s turnaround in the second half of the season hitting .341 with a .396 on base percentage.

There doesn’t appear to be anything not to like about this deal and it looks like another shrewd move by Atlanta’s front office.

UPDATE

The Braves have formerly announced the five-year deal with Inciarte that includes a club option for the 2022 season.

"We are thrilled to announce an extension for Ender,” Braves general manager John Coppolella said. “We feel that he's the best defensive center fielder in baseball and one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. Ender brings so much to our club, on and off the field, and we are happy to have him under club control for at least the next six years."

Here is a breakdown of the deal per Mark Bowman: