In a surprising yet strategic move, Mexico has tapped Atlanta Braves infielder Nacho Alvarez, Jr. to join their squad for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, stepping in for Ramón Urías, who has opted to focus on Spring Training with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Alvarez, Jr. becomes the sixth Brave to head to the WBC, joining a talented group that includes Ronald Acuña, Jr. representing Venezuela, Javy Guerra pitching for Panama, and Jurickson Profar, Chadwick Tromp, and Ozzie Albies suiting up for the Netherlands.
At just 22, Alvarez, Jr. finds himself on the cusp of a significant season. After a challenging 2025, where injuries kept him sidelined, he stepped up for the Braves when Austin Riley went down, playing in 58 games. His MLB debut came in 2024, and he's been sharpening his skills ever since, including a stint in the 2025 Arizona Fall League.
In this year’s Spring Training, Alvarez, Jr. has been diversifying his skill set, even working with the catchers. His versatility could be key, whether he lands a spot on Atlanta’s 26-man roster or gains more experience in Triple-A.
Joining Team Mexico, Alvarez, Jr. will be surrounded by a mix of seasoned MLB talent and promising prospects, including former Braves prospects Victor Vodnik and Joey Meneses. This experience could be pivotal for Alvarez, Jr. as he looks to make his mark both internationally and back home in the majors.