The Braves announced Thursday that they’ve released outfielder Ender Inciarte. He’d been designated for assignment earlier in the week.
Inciarte, 30, came to the Braves alongside Dansby Swanson in the deal that sent Shelby Miller to Arizona, and he quickly solidified himself as a quality top-of-the-order presence with standout defense. His first pair of seasons in Atlanta produced a .298/.350/.397 batting line and a pair of Gold Gloves, and while his bat slipped a little in year three, he was still a solid hitter in what proved to be a third straight Gold Glove-winning campaign.
Atlanta inked Inciarte to a five-year, $30.525MM extension following his first season with them, and while the early returns on the deal were a bargain, the commitment now looks rather regrettable. Inciarte’s best years in Atlanta were the ones in which he’d have been controlled anyhow, and he’s now batted just .223/.306/.338 in the past three seasons, which would’ve been his second arbitration year, his final arb year and his first free-agent season.
Inciarte is earning $8MM this year in that would-be free-agent campaign, and he’s also owed a $1.025MM buyout on a 2022 option for a second free-agent year that is obviously a moot point. The Braves have tried, to no avail, to move Inciarte’s contract at various points in the past couple of years, and they’ll now simply cut bait on the contract and pay the remainder of the freight.
Now that he’s a free agent, Inciarte will be free to sign with any club seeking some outfield depth. He’d be owed only the prorated league minimum for any time spent on the Major League roster with another club, and that sum would be subtracted from the amount owed to him by Atlanta. The Braves are otherwise on the hook for the remainder of his 2021 salary as well as his option buyout.
The Ender has come
“And in other news, Francisco Franco is still dead.”
…..and Epstein didn’t kill himself.
This has to be like the one issue in America that everyone agrees on lol
Michael Jackson, dead at 50
After the win today over the Mets & then releasing Inciarte, I’m hoping AA will make a splash. I have a sneaky suspicion he will, maybe Duvall?
The Florida Marlins have refused to deal Duvall to Atlanta. I like Duvall but other than a few big games here or there he is not a that great. Even when he was with Atlanta last year he comes up big in one game than hits below replacement for 2-3 weeks
Duvall is a splash?
Trades for the likes of Duvall is precisely why this team keeps losing in the postseason.
Besides, the Marlins apparently don’t want to trade with the Braves. Good, because I’m sick and tired of these baby trades.
Rumors say the Braves are in on Tommy Milone again. I guess they are considered “splashes” in the mindset of casuals and the Braves terrible GM.
Ah, Ian the Braves fan who loves to hate the Braves. Never anything positive, always negative. Go root for someone else.
Some people are just too stupid to understand how the Braves operate. Duvall would be great with Atlanta’s budget. Good or bad, Atlanta doesn’t spend a lot of money. If you want a team that buys their division or WS titles, go root for another team, because Atlanta isn’t your team..
I’d send Pache to Pitts. for Bryan Reynolds, may have to add a pitcher. I might send Wright. We will have our CF for next year. Reynolds could lead off this year and if we could get Duvall before tomorrow. The lineup would be a lot better, maybe could score more runs than the pitching is giving up.
Reynolds value at this point is maybe one of the best bargains in baseball. 25-30 hr 300 avg, all 3 of spots incl cf. And not a free agent I think 25-26. I love Pacheco, vitamins it would have to be a loaded package
The GM isn’t terrible it’s the owners who won’t let him take on anyone with a decent contract. They are super rich but cry poverty. Don’t blame the GM.
The Braves GM is the same guy who made mega splash after mega splash trade in Toronto. He’s not exactly a cautious GM.
AA went to LA for rehab and drank the kool-aid. He won’t even allow his kids to mega splash without a rubber noodle.
The most negative person is Chip Carey. Everything out of his mouth is negative. Can we trade him to the Cubs for a bat?
Why would the Cubs want him? They have the best radio and television teams in MLB.
Sounds more like a drip than a splash.
How many people haven’t read Duvall will not be treated to Atlanta; Marlins don’t want to help a division rivalry team
Pache still has a chance to be a good player his defense is great and remember there was no 2020 minor league season. I won’t want to pass on Pache right now.
So many fans called Austin Riley a bust and wanted to deal him. Look what he is doing now and without a full line up.
Looks like Marvell Ozuna won’t be charged with felonies so there is a chance even with suspension that he could be back sometime in 2022
“Might have to add a pitcher”
Try like 3 of them. Idk why every fan base thinks they can give up peanuts for Reynolds. You’re giving 2 top 15’s at least for Reynolds. AND probably a lottery ticket prospect. This is a dude with like 5 years of cheap control left. Get a grip.
..and for the Duval sneaky suspicion…
Congratulations Curly! .
You win the Andy Dufresne Award –
Red: “Andy dufresne, the man who crawled through 500 yards of poop and came out clean on the other end”
Taught me to always stick with my first ‘sneaky suspicion’..
Pirates maybe
Wouldn’t be horrible. Try to sign him cheap for next year and promise to trade him at the deadline if he bounces back.
So, tomorrow?
Think he said next year.
But…but…but….what about Kai Tom? He’ll lose ab’s.
I agree. Makes some sense as a buy very low candidate, especially with Polanco coming off the books. Shelton was a successful hitting coach, you’ve got to think whatever is wrong is correctable as he was great not very long ago.
On that note they should scoop up Tauchman as well
I hope all good things come to an Ender. I wish him well.
He’ll probably be signed by Tampa Bay and go on a tear.
Just wish we could have found a way to dumb his salary or get something in return for him. While I’m at it, unicorns are real right?
Don’t you think that’s why this is happening now – paying him 100% to not come to work – less than 24 hours until the Trade Deadline (freeing up a roster spot and cutting the cord)?
I mean, it would be nice to actually not to have to pay him. But regardless it was long overdue
Only way they could have not paid him is either a bad contract swap or have included him with a top prospect.
Better to release him than end up with a contract mess like Eric Hosmer or somebody back
DMC is implying the reason THIS move is being made at THIS time is because the Braves are going to make a trade.
LOL bravesfan, let’s dump his salary instead!
All terrible things must come to an ENDer
He will end up with the Rockies.
Ender is gone. So when is Pache gone?
The Braves need to get trade this “Bux”t and bring in someone with “ton”s more value to the team. Wonder if Minnesota is a good team to call?!
I see what you did there
The guy that was born on the IL? That’s your target this year, why no MadBum?
I think it is a risk the Braves should take. His trade value right now is still manageable for the prospect-conscious Braves. This year is lost. Peterson/Buxton/Acuna outfield will be killer.
Hope the Braves keep Peterson too. He is a perfect fit for this team.
The Braves can’t keep Peterson because he doesn’t exist. They may pick up the option on Pederson though.
I was talking about Jace Peterson wise guy. Oh wait, he does not play for the Braves anymore. I’d take Pederson too smh. Brain fart!
You don’t have the required equipment for one of those.
Pache is still a rookie and things can happen with him he is a lot more hope with him than most so no need do anything with him now.
Just like all the Braves fans wanted Austin Riley gone last year and early this year when Riley now appears to have become the star we thought he could.
Next year if there is a designated hitter and Acuna back Pache has such good defense that he could be allowed to play and be a offense work in progress
This is the Ender. My only friend, the Ender.
At minimum wage, he’s not a bad 4th or 5th…great defense, speed, etc….somebody will pick him up.
Agreed
Dude did have some decent years with the club but it was time. Braves need the roster spot and he was gone at the end of the year no matter what. Now they need to go out and get a bat.
Agree. Dude came on board when we needed stability, performed well for a few years, and contributed more than the stats. We needed this, and if a club needs a solid defender and teammate, he’s there for it.
I heard the Rangers have an OF slot available…
Great way to wash Gallo out of your mouth — going from 115mph exit velos — putting fans in RF seats on watch to someone with a 75-80mph exit velo (where hitting-pitchers rank at). Give him #13, too. No one will notice…lol.
Astros guy here – what is your take on the Gallo deal, Rangers end and Yankees?
In all honesty, it wasn’t nearly as bad as people make it seem for the Rangers. It’s disappointing that we didn’t get a top 50 prospect, but instead we got 4 guys who are all having terrific minor league seasons and are quickly rising through new farm system rankings. None are top-prospects, but all are very solid.
The Yankees got a top 20 player in baseball though… oh and a really good reliever (yes, I know Joely’s surface stats are bad, but he’s been really good).
Good trade for both sides, but the Yankees won the trade as of today.
1st crack out of the box post trade, they put up a 14 spot.
Oh wait, the Rays did.
Off Cole.
Given that Texas will be paying both salaries in full for NY, the Yankees absolutely fleeced the Rangers on this deal. Texas should have demanded one of their Top 5 prospects for agreeing to cover these salaries for the rest of the year. They should have taken Gil (at least) from NY. Bad trade by Texas, even if 2 out of 4 of those guys make it to the majors. I just hope the bright lights and media coverage in NY overwhelms Gallo, but I have a feeling it will have the opposite effect and he will go on a tear.
Ender was a good DEfEnder who got DFAEndered and hopefully it’s not a career Ender.
Hope this ain’t the Ender the road for Inciarte
Highlander: Endergame
It’s the Ender the world as we know it…
Matt Chernoff on 680 the Fan says Atlanta should try to get Mancini.
Mancini would cost too much and not a open position for him
LF is wide open for Atlanta, Mancini can’t play LF??
Mancini can play left field in the same since a statue can.
But there’s booze in the blender
And soon it will “Ender”
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on
I think the second line is supposed to be “and soon ever ender.”
Drew Waters callup coming?
You clearly dont watch the Braves.
They have/had superstar Heredia in CF for most of the year.
Heredia, while not a long-term answer, has actually hit much better than I ever expected him to.
Dont remind me, he has haunted us and killed us all year lol.
No reason to bring Waters up and start his service clock. Let him play the minors season out remember the entire minor season was lost last year let Waters season more down on the farm
They’re getting decent play out of the replacements. No need throwing Waters, who is just now stringing some good numbers (finally) together, but always in fear of taking a dip from a history of a lack of plate discipline. Let him see prolonged success at AAA and bring him in next year.
If the Braves get Knockout, why not..
Demeritte is more reasonable, he’s hitting.328 with 13 home runs in Gwinnett this year. He also already has major league experience
Always thought the tigers should give him more of a chance.
Nothing has been as sad as watching Ender ground out to the right side endlessly for the last few years.
Some team will do what the Braves should have obviously done years ago – grab Ender by the scruff of the neck – put a big bat in his hands make him – make him – choke up six inches and show him how to spray the ball around and beat the ball into the dirt.
Where is Harry Walker when you need him?
Some team will do this & they will have good outfielder/leader off hitter.
I can see him doing this with a team possibly like the Orioles,Tigers, Pirates act especially where the pressure will be off him.
Never understood why the Braves didn’t at least try this. It was so obvious years ago that Ender was not using the talents he had effectively and frankly, he became a detriment to the team.
If a team picks him up and does not change/revamp his approach, they will be wasting their time and money, imo.
I think someone has the brains to try – it could payoff handsomely if they do…
We’ll give him a look
Trey Mancini, I’m all for it. Dude is legit.
Matt Chapman and Riley to LF. Offseason.
Matt Chapman not putting up big numbers like before not worth the prospects. Better chance to see Matt Oslen is Atlanta doesn’t re sign Freeman.
Not sure why Atlanta hasn’t re signed Freeman yet
amount of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and length of contract.
Call up Demeritte to replace him
He should go to the Miami Marlins and join his former teammate Adam Duvall.
The Braves and Phillies have been quiet. After the Acuna injury I figured that would be the final straw and they would sell off older vets. Dombrowski said the Phillies would be ‘aggressive’ but I haven’t heard one rumor. The Mets are going to win the division by default.
There isn’t a many options out there or they come with higher prices than comfortable I am sure every general manager has been busy with phone calls and trade proposals. A lot of teams are waiting for pieces to follow.
A couple more timely hits (and an imperfect throw) and the Braves and Mets would be tied. Get one more bat and a relief arm and let’s see what happens.
That’s in a perfect world; there are not a lot of bats available out there that won’t cost a lot. Don’t want to give up too much prospect wise and have somebody come back and be a star and make the trade look stupid.
Maybe the best choice is just to stand pat
NYM just lost a series to ATL, while again, NYM’s pitching looks suspect. Walker’s been terrible since the AS Break and looks completely different, leveling out to career standards (~4.00 ERA). All this good pitching and NYM still only has a run differential of +2 (ATL: +47 (NL East best)). My point: NYM has been very lucky to hold onto the lead, while being incredibly unlucky with injuries. WSH (minus Hand/Scherzer), MIA (minus Marte/possibly Aguilar) are giving up. If PHI does anything with their bullpen and/or ATL getting back Ynoa/Anderson/d’Arnaud — NYM doesn’t have the NL East locked up…
@DMC You didnt just wake up METSFAN22 did you. And your right
Braves outscored the Mets 21-10 in the series. That was with all the Mets big bats and the only excuse from a certain poster would be deGrom didn’t pitch in the series. Clearly the Braves are still the better team.
Cubs will scoop him up – someone has to replace Sogard to pitch in blowouts
Mariners should take a chance on him. Better than playing a middle infielder in LF basically every day.
I’d send Pache to Pitts. for Bryan Reynolds before Friday.
Really loved him when he first joined the team. He looks like he just lost the love for the game. Bad body language, less effort in the field, not as aggressive on the base paths…sad end, but when he was good, he was tons of fun to watch.
Quick trade for Reynolds and Rodriguez or Bryant and Kimbrel. For Pache, Wright, L Jackson and Camargo
Please don’t hold your breath !!!!
Is this presuming that PIT doesn’t watch Braves games and knows nothing of L-Jax, Camargoat, Pache & not quite Wright? (Though Kyle Wright and his pirate goatee has been subliminally asking for a trade to PIT for awhile now).
If that could net the Braves Reynolds and Rodriguez, I will make an AA shrine in my home.
Throw Alex Jackson in there too.
Feels like Inciarte is way older than 30.
Reminder: Braves are getting a Major upgrade at catcher with D’Arnaud’s return and possibly another quality starter/reliever with a healthy Enoa. Add that to another quality bat at the deadline and we might make a real run at the division!
How long will they need to rehab? D’Arnaud needs another spring training.
Rumor has it AA is sniffing around a couple dumpsters. It’s become comical just how much team weakness is ignored.
He has to be a option for the Astros now with that last second bonehead move trading away Straw. Def wasn’t a move based on need IMHO..