5 Impact Prospects Who Could Make Atlanta Braves' 2015 Roster

Atlanta Braves fans are still waiting to see who the next general manager of the organization will be and the direction the team will go this offseason.

One thing the next general manager will need to evaluate is what prospects can help him in 2015. The Braves aren't loaded in their farm system as they were in years past, but they still possess some potential impact prospects.

A few of the names on this list will be familiar, as they made their way to the big leagues in 2014. Others may not be as well-known, as they haven't reached the top level yet.

With that said, here's a look at five prospects who could make the 2015 roster and have a positive impact on the team.

5. Philip Gosselin

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Philip Gosselin emerged last season, hitting .344 in 378 at-bats at Triple-A Gwinnett.

The strong hitting helped him reach the MLB level, where he arguably outplayed Tommy La Stella, a more highly regarded prospect. Gosselin hit a respectable .266 in 128 at-bats compared to La Stella's .251 average in 319 at-bats.

Another edge that Gosselin has over La Stella is his versatility and speed. He can play all over the diamond, while La Stella is limited to just second base.

The question concerning Gosselin is whether last season was a fluke. Despite hitting .344 last year, he was only a .274 career hitter in the minor leagues.

Gosselin will have to prove this spring training that last year was not a fluke and that he can be an everyday player at the top level. 

4. Kyle Kubitza

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Kyle Kubitza is an intriguing prospect. The former third-round pick endured terrible seasons in 2012 and 2013 before putting together a nice year in Double-A Mississippi last year. The third baseman slashed .295/.405/.470 with eight home runs, 55 RBI and 133 strikeouts in 529 plate appearances in 2014.

Those numbers look better when compared to current third baseman Chris Johnson's numbers. Johnson slashed .263/.292/.361 with 10 home runs, 58 RBI and 159 strikeouts in 611 plate appearances in 2014.

Promoting Kubitza would likely mean a slight decrease in those numbers, but he would be much cheaper than Johnson.

The Braves will want to see Kubitza back up his 2014 with another strong campaign most likely. If he does, he could push Johnson for the third base position.

3. Jason Hursh

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How will the starting rotation sort itself out in 2015? One man who could have an outside chance to push for a spot is former first-round pick Jason Hursh.

The Braves selected Hursh in the 2013 draft out of Oklahoma State, with the hopes that he could help sooner rather than later.

Hursh was named the 2014 Minor League Pitcher of the Year in the Braves organization after posting an 11-7 record and 3.58 ERA. With Hursh, the Braves would like to see his WHIP go down (1.33) and for him to get more swings and misses (83 strikeouts in 148.1 innings).

Look for him to get an invite to spring training, with the Braves giving him a shot to maneuver into the rotation.

2. Christian Bethancourt

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Christian Bethancourt has gotten plenty of experience in the minors and some at the MLB level. Now, it's time to see him play on an everyday basis.

The problem for Bethancourt is that Evan Gattis, one of the most productive offensive catchers in baseball, stands in his way. However, the Braves could look to trade Gattis in order to fill some other needs while also knowing they have a strong prospect in Bethancourt waiting in the wings.

He would be a clear downgrade in power production but would be a defensive upgrade, despite some struggles in 2014 in Atlanta.

The situation with Gattis and Bethancourt is arguably the most interesting decision the Braves will have to make this offseason.

1. Jose Peraza

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Jose Peraza crushed it in 2014, which elevated him to the top prospect in the Braves organization.

The breakout season, along with the struggles at second base, have made Braves fans impatient for his arrival. On one hand, Peraza is just 20 years old and has just 195 plate appearances at the Double-A level. However, there is no denying the weak spot that has been second base and the perfect fit he'd be at the top of the order.

The combination of his hitting ability (.339 average) and speed (60 steals) make him a prototypical leadoff hitter. He should fill what has been a glaring need at the leadoff spot.

The question is when. Will the Braves ignore the lack of experience and hope he can be that guy out of spring training?

Peraza has an exciting future, and it could begin in Atlanta in 2015.