A month ago, it looked like the Atlanta Braves Opening Day lineup was set after the club re-signed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. In addition to a strong starting lineup, Kim's signing allowed the Braves to have an even stronger bench by letting utility player Mauricio Dubón move around the diamond rather than be fixed to one position.
Unfortunately, this dream of a strong start to the season, didn't even last until spring training, with Ha-Seong Kim injuring his wrist and Dubón again becomes the Braves de facto shortstop. Although the Braves have acted quickly by signing infielder Jorge Mateo, Nacho Alvarez Jr. might be the player who needs to step up the most.
Braves need Nacho Alvarez to take big step forward in 2026
Nacho Alvarez Jr.'s first two cups of coffee with the Braves have been less than ideal. Even though he was much better in his 58 games in 2025 than he was in his eight games in 2024, Alvarez was a well-below average hitter with a 76 wRC+.
Of course, the 22-year-old earned his promotions to the majors. In the last two seasons, Alvarez has slashed .288/.399/.440 in AAA with an .840 OPS in his 368 plate appearances for the Stripers. Alvarez also impressed in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .324/.457/.486 (.943 OPS) after his season with Atlanta concluded last season.
It's clear that the Braves are more inclined to have the newly signed Jorge Mateo act as the backup infielder to Dubón, but the former Oriole's offense could cause issues if there's an injury that thrusts him into more than an occasional start.
Alvarez has played primarily shortstop and third base in the minors, but fans will remember that his first stint with the big league club was at second base after Ozzie Albies broke his wrist in 2024. He was an above-average defender at third last season as well, accumulating 2 OAA and 5 DRS.
Alvarez can't offer the speed Mateo can, but Alvarez's bat could offer far more than what Mateo's offered in recent seasons. Additionally, if the trend on Mateo's defense continues, where he's gone from a well-above average defender to a below-average defender, Alvarez might be a better defensive option as well.
Even though Nacho Alvarez Jr. won't even be 23-years-old at the start of the season, the young infielder only has one option remaining. Impressing the Braves this spring might be crucial for both the team's season in the absence of Kim, and for his prospects as a major leaguer.