Smith has made a strong impression since being acquired in the deal that sent Justin Upton to the Padres nearly a year ago. Smith batted .306, produced a .373 on-base percentage and recorded 57 stolen bases over 126 combined games with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett this year.
By early June, the Braves already indicated Smith would be a better long-term fit in the leadoff spot than Jose Peraza, who has since been traded to the Dodgers.
Though Smith will likely begin the 2016 season with Gwinnett, there is a strong chance he could become Atlanta's starting center fielder by the All-Star break.