At the start of spring training, there was some hope that Atlanta Braves top prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. might challenge Orlando Arcia for the starting shortstop role. But that opportunity quickly disappeared after Alvarez injured his wrist during his sixth spring game.
After being sidelined for three months, the 22-year-old has finally returned, starting a rehab stint that has already seen him advance to Triple-A Gwinnett. Just a few games into the assignment, the Braves’ approach for their top hitting prospect seems clearer.
Alvarez unlikely to be Braves’ shortstop solution this season
Atlanta’s shortstop production at the plate has been among the worst in baseball. The team ranks 28th in wRC+ from that position, with Nick Allen providing excellent defense but little offense (63 wRC+). Arcia (.445 OPS) and Luke Williams (.414 OPS) haven’t offered much more.
Alvarez seemed like a possible internal fix given the Braves’ need for more offense at short. While his initial major league showing wasn’t memorable, the young infielder hit .284/.391/.401 with 10 homers between Double-A and Triple-A last year, hinting at more power than Allen has shown in nearly 200 plate appearances.
Yet during his rehab, Alvarez has played exclusively at third base not shortstop. With Austin Riley locked in at third for years to come, this suggests Alvarez isn’t in line to take over at shortstop. Though he’s started strong at the plate in his rehab (.667/.800/1.000 over 10 plate appearances, boosted by an unsustainable 40% walk rate), the focus on third base signals that he’s likely headed back to Triple-A when activated, barring injury at the big-league level.
For now, if Atlanta looks to upgrade at shortstop, it seems Alvarez won’t be the player they turn to.
