Ender’s Game: CF, Braves agree to 5-year deal

ATLANTA — After getting a better feel for all Ender Inciarte has to offer, the Braves opted to extend their control of the Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder, who now could be positioned at the top of Atlanta’s lineup through at least the 2021 season.

Inciarte’s reward for his 2016 accomplishments came in the form of a five-year, $30.5 million contract that the Braves announced on Friday morning. The 26-year-old outfielder will receive an average annual salary of $6.1 million over the guaranteed portion of this deal, which includes a $3.5 million signing bonus and a $9 million option ($1.025 million buyout) for ’22.

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“We are thrilled to announce an extension for Ender,” Braves general manager John Coppolella said. “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.”

Coppolella’s willingness to include the option year while referring to “at least the next six years” shows how confident the club is that Inciarte will remain a significant asset through the maximum life …

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