Carving out an everyday role on a contending team is a challenge for most prospects. That challenge becomes even more difficult when quality big league pieces are added to the roster. This is the case for Atlanta Braves infielder, and former top prospect, Nacho Alvarez Jr. Braves' GM Alex Anthopoulos has brought in plenty of middle infield depth this offseason, thus making Alvarez's role more uncertain.
Atlanta's reunion with Ha-Seong Kim takes away any starting infield hopes for Alvarez Jr. Additionally, when the Braves traded for Mauricio Dubon the all important backup infielder role was taken away from Nacho. The 22 year-old infielder is working to establish himself as a big leaguer, but the opportunity to stick at the majors may not be available in 2026.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. has hit his first AND second career homers today! pic.twitter.com/bKSCWiTEzd
— MLB (@MLB) September 20, 2025
Opportunities will be limited for Nacho Alvarez Jr., and Braves best method could be letting him develop in Triple-A or trading him
Because Dubon will be making just over $6 million next season, Nacho will in all likelihood sit behind him on the depth chart. Under Brian Snitker, the Braves were known for playing their starters nearly everyday. However, with Walt Weiss taking over as manager in 2026, the expectation is that starters may get more rest days throughout the season.
With improved depth and the absence of a full-time DH, the Braves figure to utilize Dubon's versatility next year. Anthopoulos has made the plan clear, and for Nacho his path to the majors may have to wait until 2027. Unless one of Albies, Kim, Riley, or Dubon goes down with injury next year, Alvarez Jr. would not get many at-bats at the Major League level.
Given how things stack against Alvarez Jr., letting him get everyday at-bats with Triple-A Gwinnett feels like the best method for the Braves. It seems the Braves have recognized this by sending Alvarez Jr. to get more at-bats in the Arizona Fall League. Nacho is still two years younger than Drake Baldwin, and 2027 should offer a clearer path.
The Braves could benefit from seeing Alvarez play a full season in the upper minors, learning how effective Ozzie Albies will be post wrist injury, and letting some 26-man roster space clear out ahead of next winter. It isn't game over for Nacho as a big leaguer, but don't be surprised if next season is focused more on his development rather than occupying a limited bench role.