Atlanta Braves: 5 Potential Breakout Candidates to Watch in Spring Training

The baseball season is upon us.

The Atlanta Braves' pitchers and catchers are set to report to camp Thursday with the first workout scheduled on Friday.

Despite lower expectations for the Braves in 2015, this looks to be one of the more intriguing spring training camps in recent memory.

There are more questions than answers concerning this roster than in years past.

Many players will have the opportunity to lock down a starting spot based on their spring training performance. Meanwhile, there are multiple prospects in camp this year looking to make a name for themselves.

Here's a look at five potential breakout candidates to watch this spring training.

1. Mike Foltynewicz

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The Braves acquired Mike Foltynewicz from the Houston Astros in the Evan Gattis deal.

The 23-year-old is arguably the top prospect the Braves picked up this offseason due to his high ceiling and high floor.

Foltynewicz features two plus pitches in his fastball and curveball. According to Fangraphs, he averaged 96.7 mph on his fastball in 18.2 innings at the MLB level.

His curveball is a strikeout pitch while his changeup remains a work in progress. One can assume the Braves hope he turns into a front-end starter, which will likely depend on his changeup development. If not, he should be an effective piece out of the bullpen with two top pitches.

Foltynewicz could compete for the fifth spot in the rotation out of camp, but I expect he'll begin in the minors as the Braves have no need to rush him.

Keep an eye on the right-hander during spring training as he flashes his arm talent.

2. Tyrell Jenkins

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Tyrell Jenkins is another right-handed pitcher the Braves acquired this offseason.

Jenkins, along with Shelby Miller, came to Atlanta in exchange for Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden.

While Miller is penciled in for a spot in the rotation for 2015, fans should also keep an eye on Jenkins this spring training.

The 22-year-old has similar pitches to Foltynewicz, with a mid-90s fastball and true curveball. While his velocity is not on the same level as Foltynewicz, he generates better movement.

The combination of his stuff, a deceptive wind-up and his athletic 6'4" frame (former Baylor football commit) makes him an intriguing prospect.

Jenkins has battled injuries throughout his minor league career, which has hampered his development. However, he told Talking Chop that he is healthy this spring training and should be considered a breakout candidate.

3. Jose Peraza

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Jose Peraza could be considered the best leadoff prospect in the Braves' organization since Rafael Furcal.

This led the Braves to change Peraza from shortstop to second base, as Andrelton Simmons isn't going anywhere.

The position change has done little to slow down Peraza, as he has raked at the minor league level. Last season with Lynchburg and Mississippi, he hit .339 with a .364 on-base percentage and added 60 stolen bases.

The 20-year-old will likely begin this year at Triple-A Gwinnett, but there's an outside chance he could win the job at second base out of camp.

It will be exciting to watch Peraza in his first spring training camp with the Braves.

4. Jace Peterson

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Jace Peterson has a huge opportunity in front of him this spring training.

The second-base job is up for grabs, and Peterson will be competing with Alberto Callaspo and Phil Gosselin for the starting gig.

The Braves acquired the 24-year-old infielder from the Padres in the trade that sent Justin Upton to San Diego.

Peterson got some time at the MLB level last season but put up miserable numbers while not receiving the benefit of consistent playing time. However, his minor league numbers are much more promising, with a career .287 average and .381 OBP.

Peterson will have a chance to break out this spring training by earning consistent playing time at second base.

5. Eric Young Jr.

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The Braves will be evaluating their options in left field to platoon with Jonny Gomes, who will likely get starts against left-handed pitching.

It appeared Zoilo Almonte was the favorite for that role until the Braves recently signed Eric Young Jr. to a one-year deal.

Young is coming off a down season with the New York Mets, but overall, he has posted respectable numbers at the MLB level in his career (.252 average and .320 OBP).

Young could serve as the leadoff hitter against right-handers, which would allow Nick Markakis to hit in a run-producing spot and protect Freddie Freeman.

Still, he is far from a lock and will need a good spring training showing. Look for Young to take advantage of a starting opportunity this spring.