The Astros and Braves announced a one-for-one swap of middle infielders. Utility player Mauricio Dubón is headed to Atlanta with defensive specialist Nick Allen on his way to Houston.
Atlanta takes on a few million dollars to upgrade their infield. Dubón, 31, spent nearly four seasons in Houston. The Astros acquired him from the Giants in a minor trade early in 2022. It was a nice pickup, as he developed into a versatile and generally reliable piece off the bench. Dubón won two utility Gold Glove awards while playing all three infield positions to the left of first base and a decent amount of center and left field.
The righty-swinging Dubón was a league average hitter a couple seasons ago, batting .278/.309/.411 with 10 homers in nearly 500 trips to the dish. His offense has declined in each of the past two years. He’s coming off a .241/.289/.355 showing with seven longballs through 398 plate appearances and carries a .256/.293/.358 line over the past two seasons. He’s very difficult to strike out but rarely walks and has well below-average power.
Still, that light bat is a significant upgrade over what Allen brings to the table offensively. The 27-year-old Allen didn’t hit a single home run in 416 trips to the dish this year. He turned in a .211/.284/.251 line that made him easily the worst hitter to take 400+ plate appearances. Allen ranked in the bottom 20 hitters in on-base percentage, while his slugging mark was more than .040 points lower than the second-lowest in MLB (.296 by Victor Scott II). He owns a .213/.265/.272 slash in nearly 1200 plate appearances over parts of four seasons.
Allen has continued to get playing time because of his superlative glove. He has been touted as an excellent infielder dating back to his high school days. Allen has posted fantastic defensive marks in every season of his career. Defensive Runs Saved graded him as the third-best shortstop in MLB this year behind Mookie Betts and Zach Neto. Statcast’s Outs Above Average also had him third, albeit behind Bobby Witt Jr. and Masyn Winn.
Dubón is unlikely to be that caliber of defender if he were pressed into everyday shortstop work. Statcast has graded him as a plus defender in his 721 career innings at the position though. Defensive Runs Saved has him right around league average. Dubón should be capable of playing there every day, and he’s not a complete zero offensively. That’s particularly true in favorable platoon matchups, as he’s a .288/.329/.417 hitter versus left-handed pitching over the past three years.
The Braves couldn’t afford to enter next season with Allen atop the shortstop depth chart. Dubón would be a low-end regular but provides a higher floor. This shouldn’t detract from Atlanta’s interest in re-signing Ha-Seong Kim. Dubón has the versatility to provide cover behind Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley at second and third base while complementing lefty-hitting Michael Harris II in center field. Still, he’s at least a reasonable one-year fallback if Kim signs elsewhere in a market devoid of shortstop alternatives in free agency or trade.
Dubón is entering his final season of arbitration eligibility. He’s projected by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz for a $5.8MM salary. Allen is eligible for arbitration for the first time as a Super Two player and under control for four years. He’s projected at $1.5MM. Houston cuts a little more than $4MM from the books while downgrading in the utility role.
Allen isn’t going to play shortstop barring an injury to Jeremy Peña, but he can offer a glove-only option at second base. Jose Altuve is the primary starter there for now, but the Astros hope to continue splitting his playing time between the keystone, left field, and designated hitter. They’ve been tied to Brendan Donovan in trade conversations and could consider other possibilities (e.g. a Brandon Lowe trade, Jorge Polanco in free agency) if the Cardinals deal Donovan elsewhere. They’ll ideally add a left-handed bat to balance a righty-heavy lineup. Allen is out of minor league options, so he’ll need to be on the active roster or designated for assignment.
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported that Dubón had been traded to the Braves just before the announcements. Respective images courtesy of Jerome Miron and Brett Davis, Imagn Images.
1yr of Dubon for 4yrs of Allen! Braves upgraded their offense for ’26.
He’s not that much of an offensive upgrade but he does have more defensive flexibility than Allen. Both were nontender candidates.
This transaction just screams “help us Ha-Seong Kim, you’re our only hope”
They’re not going to trot Dubon out to SS on an everyday basis, right?
I think that’s there plan if they don’t get Ha Seong Kim
Gwynning
Exactly my though Dubon is a much better utility than Allen if Kim is the starting shortstop.
For an extra ~4M$. If I were the Braves I’d probably still nontender Dubon if he doesn’t agree to a lesser than projected figure.
Dubón is a slugger compared to Allen.
It’s pretty sad that Dubon is an upgrade offensively to anyone. Astros fans soured on Dubon cause of his offense(silly). Wait til we have to watch Nick Allen.
Imagine both Maurico Dubon or Nick Allen wins a silver slugger. It’ll be so funny.
Am I missing something? Is the money an issue?
Seems like a steal by ATL
sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/kDCiA
I’m guessing Houston’s scouts see something and can utilize Allen’s defense for a much longer duration than whatever they would get out of Dubon in ’26? Does Peña move to 2nd??
Pena can play 3rd or second. I saw rumors of Dubon to the Braves. I happy it’s done. The Astros believe they can fix Nick Allen (or at least Anthony Iapoce and Victor Rodriguez think so)
No. Lol. Nick Allen is not starting. This doesn’t move anybody.
I know. But I’m wondering about Brice Matthews. Is he going to be traded in corrsponding?
I’m still curious… haha! 🍻
Nick Allen is a superstar defensively & is one of the worst hitters in the game. Every team wants a guy like that on the bench. It’s a high floor when you can be the worst hitting regular in the entire league & still have value.
Good trade for both teams.
5.8MM. Is that an issue to Atlanta. I posted multiple comments regarding how Allen could be fixed. Try reading them. Astros don’t have payroll space for 5.8MM.
MLBTR we need to get ASTROS27! In touch with Nick Allen’s camp. He said he can fix him within a few comments
I don’t know how the Astros will fix him. I’m saying it’s likely one of the reasons that they traded for him.
Unsurprising Dubon had the better year, but I’m honestly surprised Nick Allen played in more games, had more PAs, and OBP is as close as it is. Without looking, I would’ve figured 100 games, 250-350 PAs max.
Dubon has played for Milwaukee according to ESPN. Not sure many of us knew that. Maybe ask them for their original data?
I initially like this deal for the Braves.
We get a guy capable of playing SS, with GG defense, and he hits for average?
What’s not to appreciate?
Could be a big break for Dubon going into FA next year if he can claim the SS full time
100%. Contract year phenomenon is a real thing (& studies do show that, particularly in baseball). *Potential* for a career year, at least.
He hit .241 last year. Is that your standard for “hits for average”?
Maybe not average. But he’s good. The Astros used him at the bottom of the lineup, I think that’s the Braves GM’s thought. Bottom order guy, versatile defense. He’s going to get an 8 or 9 spot .
The problem for them is they have 4 or 5 guys that should be hitting 8th/9th.
Well, the Braves have to figure it out then. Ain’t my job to do their overflow problems for them. And who are those guys?
Braves have too many 8 or 9 hitters already. I was hoping Ozzie and Harris would man those spots. Harris was worse than Allen in OBP.
It is when you compare his bat to Allen’s.
Plus, if you read box scores, probably fewer than 50% of players have a higher BA than that.
It’s a product of the high velocity, 3 true outcomes era we are witnessing that the average BA is so low these days.
Dubo’s versatility plays. His bat is below MLB replacement level in average and power. He doesn’t walk and strikes out a lot.
His value is his fielding and versatility.
Let’s hope the Astros can improve Allen’s bat. Otherwise he’s going to be DFA’d before the Astros play the Angels in 2026. (Opening day)
He does not strike out a lot. Hes literally top ten in best K rate. He never strikes out. Or walks either.
@yankeejim not sure why people comment as if they know what they are talking about. “Dubon strikes out a lot” is one of the funniest thing I’ve read on here.
It’s a salary dump for Houston.
Dubon was alot worse than Allen at SS last year. He just plays a million positions
I would give it a B for Atlanta and a B- for Houston if I’m grading. The reason is that Dubon is kind of expensive, and they traded away a gold glover to get a even more versatile gold glover. Not a A is because what Nick Allen could do in the following years. It could change, but now, B- for Houston, B for Atlanta.
GG for utility position. I had to laugh when I first saw that he had two GG.
Through 133 games, Dubon struck out 42 times.
Dubon’s career OPS is .668 while Allen’s is .536. So, Dubon is clearly a better hitter. Also, Dubon has extensive experience all over the infield and outfield. I was hoping the Braves would improve their bench for 2026, and this is a great start.
Kind of sad. Dubon was a fan fav here in Houston. But if Allen can get his offense right, it’s worth it.
You can count the number of fielders in the game that are better than Allen probably on 1 hand, but he will never even be an average hitter. He’d be Andrelton Simmons if so. High floor.
Wonder what the Houston scouts see.
Saving about $4mm.
I have a feeling Dubon is going to be an everyday player.
Doubtful but possible. Atlanta won’t be done shopping at SS but this allows them to feel less pressure to buy. What’s really better… Signing Kim or adding someone like Buxton along with Dubon. There’s a lot of ways to build out that roster/lineup and they still need pitching too.
Thanks for the glove St Nick!
Bat not included!
Mauricio Dubon is one of the worst hitters in baseball. He cant hit at all.
Just watch Nick Allen for comparison (and I liked him).
….and was just traded for THE worst hitter in the NL. Advantage Braves.
And he’s still much better as a hitter than the guy he was traded for.
Man, the braves fell off hard.
Braves doing all the moves today.
Wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Braves non-tender him.
Each time Dubon has been traded I think his new team has won the trade. Astros now down another player who can play in OF though. At home, they can get away with not even having somebody in LF but they still need to get some new talent for the OF.
If he’s a bench bat, a guy who can play everywhere often enough to give guys time off, I’m ok with this. But if this is the move to upgrade SS, it’s a joke and I’d rather just keep Allen at the cost and control he was. It’s an offensive upgrade, sure. But not much. And he can play ss but he doesn’t play there much unless I’m missing something. Bench bat, fine. Anything else is unacceptable
I get what you’re saying about Allen’s team control, but don’t believe there was any way he would’ve stuck w/the Braves for 4 more years. Dubon’s a 1 year stopgap if he’s the SS and a decent utility piece otherwise. Still think Kim’s the guy they want.
No way he is going to be our SS. Please don’t say he will be.
He is probably a fail safe. I’m betting kims still the target. This is probably a “break glass in case of emergency option.”
Seems like a dunb trade for the astros, must be a salary dump.
This is a solid pickup. Ozzie’s got injury history, so Dubon is a guy who’s a major league level 2B who can cover in the outfield and short if necessary. This is an upgrade bench piece. I imagine this is also a sign Nacho’s days are numbered. They’re gonna trade him for anything they can get.
From your post to any other GM’s ears when it comes to Nacho. Deal him before the entire league realizes he can’t hit a ML fastball or play any position besides 3B. They already know, but—-hope. Don’t care if he’s just a throw in. Deal him.
Maybe I’m in the minority but I have hope for nacho. Still super young and his value is really low right now, so it’s better to hold and hope.
I don’t believe the Braves have any hope for him. After he got sent back down in 2024, he never played SS at Gwinnett again. Just 3B. Pretty much shows they feel he has no defensive value anywhere but 3B—and his bat won’t play there for a contender. They sent him to the Arizona Fall League this year to show him off as a trade piece—-imo. Almost never see a player w/his ML time playing in that league.
Nick Allen, the ultimate conundrum, there are few players that are as exciting to watch in the field, or depressing to watch at the plate.
Great move here AA
Works for both.
Dubon is a good backup plan for next season if the Braves can’t get anyone else and you’ll feel ok if he’s your starter. If they do then he’s a great util.
Allen gives the Stros a solid defender for 4 yrs. I think it’s worth the offensive downgrade.
I’d imagine he is emergency plan B in case Kim isn’t signed, or a better everyday SS isn’t acquired. Without a doubt he is more than adequately defensively to fill in all across the diamond if a better SS is obtained.
I don’t like this move at all. Mauricio Dubon has been a valuable contributor. Nick Allen will not be on the big league club next year. This is simply a salary dump. Allen will be released, traded or in AAA(if he has options left). Ramon Urias will be the one to fill the void made by Dubon’s absence.
According to the article, Allen has no options left.
Thanks. I was upset enough at this news I didn’t read everything. Every time I’ve watched Nick Allen on a baseball field I felt like he shouldn’t be in the major leagues. With Jeremy Peña (a gold glove shortstop) and Ramon Urias on the roster I don’t see how this guy gets any playing time.
@Mute: Looks like he’s the last player on your bench to me. Strictly late inning defensive purposes and short term injury replacements.
Boooooo rather have Allen.
Let’s hope we get Kim. Dubon will be a much better bench piece than Luke Williams or Nacho.
I just replied to comment earlier lol. I like nacho, but he’s not ready yet. I’d love Kim but I’m never optimistic with Korean or Japanese players coming to the Braves. I assume they would rather take lesser salaries to be in New York or along the west coast. Fingers crossed he had a great time in Atlanta and they make a solid offer.
I don’t hate Nacho. He’s a really good kid. Just believe that if he has a future in MLB, it’ll be somewhere else.
Do you think he could get some time in the outfield? Whether for trade value or just expand utility? He has good speed and being stuck at third means he at least has passable arm.
Maybe? Again, I don’t think his bat’s gonna play very well anywhere they stick him in the field and he’s really blocked everywhere in Atlanta since he can’t play SS. I’m thinking a rebuilding team like Colorado or the White Sox might have some interest in giving him playing time at 3B or 2B.
I was today years old when I learned there’s a Gold Glove for utility players. And its been around for 4 years.. Kinda seems like a Scrub of the Year award, but Gold Gloves are pretty meaningless anyway so whatever.
I don’t think Dubon will be the everyday SS, however I do think he’ll start the year playing vs LHP (probably a platoon with Drake, and Riley shifts to DH these days). But Riley and Albies almost always miss at least some time during the season. He’ll end up with about 300-400 PA. Good move for ATL.
I believe BOTH players are still non-tender candidates depending on how free agency plays out. But each team likes the position these players give them if it doesn’t work out the way they want.