Washington Nationals: Where Adam Eaton Ranks Among NL East Center Fielders
By Matt Weyrich
5. Ender Inciarte (ATL)
2016 Stats: 131 G, .291/.351/.381, .732 OPS, 152 H, 3 HR, 85 R, 29 RBI, 16 SB, 45 BB, 68 SO and 3.8 bWAR.
Let’s start off by reiterating just how deep this division is at center field. Inciarte had a great year for the Atlanta Braves and is a key component of their future, but he finds himself at the bottom of our rankings this season.
Inciarte spent most of his time in the leadoff spot last year, but the rest of the hitters behind him didn’t do much to drive him in. Atlanta ranked dead last in all of baseball in team slugging percentage. With full seasons of Matt Kemp and Dansby Swanson, however, he could end up scoring a lot more runs this year.
As valuable as Inciarte is at the plate, he’s even better defensively. The Venezuelan native finished with the third most defensive runs saved among center fielders and his first career Gold Glove. His 12 outfield assists were the most by a primary center fielder and Nats fans know full-well what he’s capable of.
A crowded field pushes Inciarte down to the bottom of our rankings, but he’s still poised for a big year in Atlanta.