With newly signed free agent Ramón Urías opting to report to Spring Training with the St. Louis Cardinals, Mexico is replacing the veteran infielder with Atlanta Braves infielder Nacho Alvarez, Jr. for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Alvarez, Jr. will be the sixth Braves player in camp for Spring Training at this year’s WBC, joining outfielder Ronald Acuña, Jr. plays for Venezuela, non-roster invitee pitcher Javy Guerra with Panama, and outfielder Jurickson Profar, catcher Chadwick Tromp and infielder Ozzie Albies play for the Netherlands.
Alvarez, Jr., 22, is likely on the roster for Atlanta’s 26-man roster for this season. After missing much of the 2025 season due to injury, he was forced into action with the big league team after Austin Riley was lost for the season. Alvarez Jr. played in 58 games for Atlanta last year after making his MLB debut in 2024. He also played in the 2025 Arizona Fall League.
At the start of this year’s Spring Training, Alvarez Jr. along with the catchers and would likely benefit from regular playing time at Triple-A, regardless of whether he tries to add a new defensive position to his toolbox.
Alvarez Jr. will join a Mexican team featuring a number of current and former big league players, including former Braves players Victor Vodnik and Joey Meneses.
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