Atlanta Braves: 5 players most likely to be traded this offseason

1. Ender  Inciarte

There was speculation all last offseason that the Atlanta Braves were looking to trade Ender Inciarte, and I’m afraid we’re heading down that path again this offseason.

Let me go on record — once again — as saying I love Inciarte and hope he’s the Braves starting center fielder to start 2020.

However, I can understand the rationale for wanting to move Ender IF it brings us back a significant piece in return.

Inciarte is still a great value making $7.7 million in 2020, $8.7 million in 2021, and a team option for $9 million in 2022.

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He’s going to give you Gold Glove defense in center field, and if you put him down in the order he can prove to be a reliable bat that can get on base, steal bases, and score runs.

So why would the Atlanta Braves trade someone like that?

The reasoning may seem flawed to some, but they have Ronald Acuna Jr. who can play center field, which opens up the opportunity to make upgrades in the corner outfield spots.

Also, the Atlanta Braves top two prospects — Cristian Pache and Drew Waters — are outfielders who could be knocking on the door in 2020.

Both of them have the ability to play center field, which could push Acuna to a more natural corner spot.

To me, trading Ender has nothing to do with the fact that he’s not a valuable player — I think he has a ton of value on any team.

Instead, it’s a team that could trade from a position of strength in order to strengthen a weak spot.

For example, if the Cleveland Indians were interested in trading Corey Kluber and wanted someone to help improve their outfield, they could look to Ender.

Based on the way AA has played things the last two offseasons, it’s highly unlikely that any of these players get moved. But if he does get froggy and shake things up, these are the five players most likely to be traded by the Atlanta Braves this offseason.