RADIO
A few seasons ago, the Braves seemed set at shortstop with one of the best at the position in Dansby Swanson, but then he left for the Windy City. In comes Orlando Arcia who became an All Star for the Braves in 2023, but has hit .211 so far this season.
Suddenly it seems the Braves are in need of a shortstop again. So where do they turn? Will Alex Anthopoulos pull some magic out of his hat and make a trade? Or do the Braves look from within for a solution?
Enter Nacho Alvarez Jr. into the conversation. Alvarez has quickly made a name for himself after being drafted in 2022, and after showing well at each level of the minor leagues finds himself in the middle of discussions on whether or not the Braves have the answer at shortstop within their own ranks.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. Prospect Update for Fantasy Baseball
Alvarez began his career at age 19 in Atlanta rookie ball and quickly showed he had a penchant for putting the bat on the ball or finding his way on base via the walk. The same result last season at Single-A and High-A. This season the 21-year-old posted an 18.8% K% and 14.4% BB% at Double-A. Despite hitting .265 with zero home runs, the Braves promoted him to Triple-A, as his .381 OBP was reason enough.
NACHO SAID MY TURN.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. extends yesterday's run party with a 3-run @SoFi home run in the second! pic.twitter.com/g3c0jh6meo
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) July 5, 2024
So what has he done with his Triple-A opportunity? Well, made the most of it, of course. Even though the former fifth-round draft pick had zero home runs in 170 Double-A at-bats, he's already hit five in 77 Triple-A at-bats. He's also maintained a lower-than-average K% (15.9%) and higher-than-average BB% (11.4%) while slashing .351/.432/.610. He is making a strong case for a shot in the majors, at least so the Braves can see what they have in him.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. Outlook for Fantasy Baseball
MLB.com's Top Prospects list projects Alvarez's debut to be in 2025, but it's possible that it will come sometime this season, especially if he keeps on hitting. His good eye at the plate should translate to the pros and, although perhaps his contact skills could take a hit, he should still be a solid hitter at the big league level.
It is unreasonable, however, to expect the current power surge he's on to continue at the big league level were he to get the call (and probably Triple-A as well). Despite the hot streak and potential call-up, Alvarez doesn't warrant a stash but could make for a solid waiver add in OBP leagues should that happen. For managers in deeper leagues who need steals, his speed could add to his intrigue, as he stole 16 bases last season and has 18 so far in 2024. Interested managers should keep an eye out for any positive developments.
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