Love him or hate him, Atlanta Braves are a better team with Ender Inciarte
Hot second half-bat
We talked about it at the top, but we know how much better Ender has been at hitting in the second half.
To insert a hot bat like that into the lineup down the stretch is huge. That’s exactly what we saw happen last year when he hit .302 in the second half.
He’s hitting .290 since coming back from his injury and has five hits in his last three games.
When Dansby Swanson does come back — and let’s hope that’s sooner rather than later — can you imagine a bottom of the lineup that features either Swanson or Ozzie Albies along with Inciarte?
If you can get those guys on base consistently and flip the lineup for Acuña and the top of the lineup, that just makes this offense even more dangerous.
Right now our 7-8-9 hitters are automatic outs with Johan Camargo, Tyler Flowers, and the pitcher. But with a hot Ender, he can change that narrative.
I just believe that Ender still has a lot of value on this team and that the Atlanta Braves are a much better team when he’s healthy and producing like he’s capable.
The future
As far as the future is concerned, Ender turns 29 this offseason and has two more guaranteed years left on his current contract.
When speed and defense is your best quality, teams tend to shy away from as you enter your thirties.
With top prospects Cristian Pache and Drew Waters knocking on the door, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Atlanta Braves still shop Inciarte this offseason.
While I think Ender still has a couple of good years left in him, it does make sense to move him and take a shot on the even younger kids.
Next. Shortstop problem. dark
We’ll see how it plays out, but for now, just enjoy the run that Ender is on and hope that it continues down the stretch and into the postseason.