Top 10 MLB rookies expected to be on Opening Day rosters

5 of 11

Mar 12, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Hector Olivera (28) bats during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Hector Olivera, 3B, Atlanta Braves

Although Olivera is certainly an uncommon prospect, he deserves recognition as a potential impact Opening Day rookie. A 30-year-old rookie may not have a long-term impact on a team entering a lengthy rebuild, but Olivera has the polished skill set to put up strong numbers at the plate in 2016.

Atlanta will be calling up tons of prospect over the course of the season, and Olivera has a good chance to be its best rookie this year. While some of Atlanta’s young talent appears ready, Olivera may be the only rookie on the Opening Day roster, unless starting pitcher Aaron Blair makes a late push for a rotation spot.

The Dodgers like Olivera enough coming out of Cuba to give him a $62.5 million contract last offseason. While its unclear why exactly the Braves traded for him last summer, they should be excited to see what Olivera can do at the plate over a full season.

Olivera was praised for his polished plate approach and strong bat speed coming out of Cuba, and looks like he could have a number of above-average tools at the MLB level, particularly power. The 30-year-old hit .253/.310/.405 in 87 plate appearances with the Braves last year per FanGraphs, and was starting to look more comfortable at the plate by the end of the year.

While Olivera will primary be at third base, he can play an above-average second and will likely see some time in the outfield. Look for Olivera to turn in a productive rookie season offensively, with the upside to turn into a middle-of-the-order power hitter.

Next: 6. Byung-ho Park, 1B, Minnesota Twins

Home/Atlanta Braves