Atlanta Braves: Projected 2016 Starting Lineup

CENTER-FIELD

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder

plays for the Surprise Saguaros during an Arizona Fall League game against the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

CENTER-FIELD: Next season presents the Atlanta Braves with another opportunity to showcase their young talent before the opening of SunTrust Park. One of their most valued prospects came to the organization via a trade with the San Diego Padres for Justin Upton this past offseason. Though the prize in the trade was southpaw pitcher Max Fried, the Atlanta Braves also found their center-fielder of the future in Mallex Smith.

-= Related: Mallex Smith: Is He Major League Ready? =-

Mallex Smith is fast. Really fast. Like over 40 stolen bases a year fast. He makes consistent contact with the ball and doesn’t strike often. His defense isn’t Gold-Glove caliber, but in time his defensive prowess will progress. At 22 years old, Smith will provide the Braves with a player they have not possessed since Rafael Furcal: a young prototypical leadoff hitter. Though he struggled following his promotion to AAA Gwinnett last month, Smith has righted the ship, now hitting .280 to go along with 48 stolen bases thus far this season between AA and AAA.

Cameron Maybin has been excellent this season in center-field for the Atlanta Braves, but his move to left is predicated on the belief that Mallex Smith will be major league ready by opening day of 2016. If Smith can replicate this minor league numbers into the big-leagues, the Braves will have an excellent leadoff hitter for years to come.

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