Sep 10, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte (11) beats the tag of New York Mets third baseman Kelly Johnson (55) during the first inning at Turner Field. Photo Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta center fielder Ender Inciarte agreed to a five-year contract extension, the Braves announced Friday.
The deal is worth $30.5 million and runs through the 2021 season, according to published reports. There is also a $9 million option for 2022 with a $1.025 million buyout.
Inciarte batted. 291 with three homers and 16 stolen bases last season while thriving on defense and winning his first Gold Glove award.
“We are thrilled to announce an extension for Ender,” Braves general manager John Coppolella said in a statement. “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.”
Inciarte, 26, was in his first season with the Braves last season after being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of the package for right-hander Shelby Miller.
Inciarte, who owns a .292 average with 56 steals through three major league seasons, said he is pleased to be a long-term member of the Braves.
“So happy to be part of this organization for years to come,” Inciarte tweeted.
