MLB

10 MLB Hitting Prospects Ready To Make An Instant Impact In 2015

10 MLB Prospects Ready To Make An Instant Impact In 2015

Kris Bryant
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For all the talk this offseason about trades and free agency, sometimes the biggest impact players can come from within an organization. These 10 prospects, some of whom got some playing time at the end of last season, are set to instantly impact their team's lineup.

10. 2B Jose Peraza

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10. 2B Jose Peraza

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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Team: Atlanta Braves

Peraza isn't as well known as some of the other players on this list, but he could be just as good. He has excellent speed and has the makings of a leadoff man in the future. On top of playing second base, he can also fill in at shortstop. At just 20 years old, he could develop into one of the better middle infielders in the National League.

9. OF Dalton Pompey

Baltimore Orioles v Toronto Blue Jays
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9. OF Dalton Pompey

Baltimore Orioles v Toronto Blue Jays
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Team: Toronto Blue Jays

Pompey got a little taste of the major leagues last season, but with a full season, he could really set himself apart from other young outfielders. He isn't as flashy as some other prospects, but he sees pitches, draws walks and puts together good at-bats. That usually leads to success at the big-league level.

8. 3B Maikel Franco

Philadelphia Phillies v Miami Marlins
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8. 3B Maikel Franco

Philadelphia Phillies v Miami Marlins
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Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Franco has some serious power potential, and the Phillies would love to see him take the next step in 2015. He really represents the next wave of talent for the Phillies and could hit 25 or more home runs a year starting this upcoming season.

7. OF Michael Taylor

Miami Marlins v Washington Nationals - Game Two
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7. OF Michael Taylor

Miami Marlins v Washington Nationals - Game Two
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Team: Washington Nationals

Taylor, like some other guys on this list, got experience last season at the big league level and he surely can't wait to get regular playing time in 2015. He could really prove to be the real deal since he hits for power, average and steals bases with regularity. The Nationals hope he can be the missing piece in their lineup.

6. C Blake Swihart

Boston Red Sox Photo Day
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6. C Blake Swihart

Boston Red Sox Photo Day
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Team: Boston Red Sox

Swihart is a really solid all-around player for the Red Sox and the best catching prospect likely to debut this season. He's developed into an above average defender and his bat is improving as well. With an already improved lineup, Swihart could be the cherry on top for the Red Sox' offseason turnaround.

5. OF Jorge Soler

Jorge Soler
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

5. OF Jorge Soler

Jorge Soler
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Team: Chicago Cubs

It seems like the Cubs are just growing hitting prospects on trees nowadays, and Soler is just one of a handful of elite prospects in Chicago or heading to Chicago soon. His advanced plate approach and ability to drive in runs should put him right in the middle of the Cubs' ever-improving lineup.

4. OF Domingo Santana

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4. OF Domingo Santana

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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Team: Houston Astros

Santana sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of the other elite Astros prospects, but he could be just as good as any of them. He hits for decent power and drives in runs at a consistent rate. If he pans out and Carlos Correa plays well in 2016, the Astros could be competitive.

3. OF Joc Pederson

Los Angeles Dodgers v Texas Rangers
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3. OF Joc Pederson

Los Angeles Dodgers v Texas Rangers
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Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Aside from salary worries, a big reason the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp is because they knew they had Joc Pederson waiting in the wings. He should get his chance in the big leagues this season and as a lefty power hitter, he should make a big impact on an already stacked Dodger lineup.

2. 2B Francisco Lindor

Cleveland Indians v Cincinnati Reds
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2. 2B Francisco Lindor

Cleveland Indians v Cincinnati Reds
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Team: Cleveland Indians

Lindor will finally get a chance to show his ability to be a superstar this season. It appears as though the Indians are a couple pieces away from contending, and Lindor could certainly be one of those pieces.

1. 3B Kris Bryant

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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1. 3B Kris Bryant

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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Team: Chicago Cubs

Bryant was recently listed as the top prospect in all of baseball, and there's good reason for that. He's likely to get the call-up in late April and, no joke, he could be an MVP candidate this season. He's that good. Starting this season, Bryant has the ability to hit 30-plus home runs and drive in 100-plus runs a year.

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