Back in August 2025, we first reported that Al Calderon landed a role on Brilliant Minds, which has since been canceled, and would be leaving Days of Our Lives and his time as Javi behind. Along with that news came confirmation that the character would in fact be recast and now we have the details on who will be stepping in to play Rafe and Gabi’s cousin.

Our sister site, Deadline, has learned exclusively that Jacob Martinez has been cast in the recast role. A newcomer to soaps, the actor appeared in the production In Pieces The Musical, as well as the short, Memory Swim, and has roles in two upcoming projects, Everywhere the Signs and Another Pucking Fairytale.

We last saw Javi a week ago when he arrived at the hospital while Leo was rambling on to Cat prior to getting his head examined. Though the two tried to make small talk, Leo couldn’t contain himself and began asking Javi about “the new guy.” Javi declined his invite to have dinner — just to talk — and simply wanted a clean break. And with that, it was… Goodbye, Leo!

It’ll be interesting to see if Javi can stick to his guns and we can’t wait to watch Martinez make Javi his own. Hear what the newcomer had to say about his new role…