9. 2017 Atlanta Braves All-Stars: Ender Inciarte
Ender Inciarte came to the Braves prior to 2016 when they traded Shelby Miller after one successful season in Atlanta. The Braves were rebuilding and decided to capitalize on Miller’s dominant 2015 season. They struck a deal with the Diamondbacks and received former number-one overall pick Dansby Swanson, top pitching prospect Aaron Blair, and an everyday player in Ender Inciarte.
Ender immediately made an impact on the Braves in 2016 and continued rolling in 2017. The moment he donned a Braves uniform he became a Gold Glove centerfielder, winning three consecutive awards between 2016-2018. He finished the 2017 season with a .304 average and a .350 on-base percentage.
He also contributed a little pop with 11 homers and 27 doubles to go with his five triples and 22 stolen bases.
A true contact hitter, he finished 2017 2nd in the NL in singles. He finished second in plate appearances, first in at-bats, and 10th in games played.
To date, this remains Ender’s only All-Star appearance. Here’s what Ender told MLB.com about the experience.
“Just everything about the game,” Inciarte said. “Once you heard the national anthem and you realize that you are standing in line with all those guys, it is really special. I am happy with today and hopefully, I can repeat it again.”
The re-build was almost complete as the next season would mark the beginning of an NL-East title streak. Ender’s play had cemented him as an everyday centerfielder for the next few years.
All-Star Credentials: .302 AVG, .350 OBP, 7 HR, 11 SB, 16 2B
All-Star Game Stat Line: 0-2, Line Out to 1B (8th Inn off Devenski), Ground Out to SS (10th off Miller).