Love him or hate him, Atlanta Braves are a better team with Ender Inciarte

Defense wins championships

Do you think it’s a coincidence that Ronald Acuña has played Gold Glove-caliber defense since Ender returned to the outfield?

I certainly don’t think so.

The presence of Ender in center field makes our outfield defense one of the best in baseball.

Now, I will admit that both he and Acuña struggled defensively to start the season, but since Ender has come back they’ve both seemed to elevate their game.

Acuña was not good at all in center field in Ender’s absence, in my opinion. He looked lost out in center and was not playing with the confidence he has now.

I personally think Acuña is much more effective as a right-fielder, and hopefully that’s where he stays. He has looked like someone who could eventually win a Gold Glove in right field.

And Adam Duvall‘s bat has cooled off, but when he’s in left field we really do have one of the best defensive outfields in the game.

I know defense isn’t as cool when everyone is hitting home runs, but I still put a lot of value on defense.

Ender has won three Gold Gloves already is an elite defender. Having him back in center field makes this an elite defense once again.

And even if you don’t love Ender as a starter, having him come off the bench as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement late in games has a ton of value as well.