HOUSTON, TX – November 20, 2025 – The Houston Astros traded two-time Gold Glove Award-winning utility player Mauricio Dubón to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night in exchange for shortstop Nick Allen, marking the departure of one of the franchise’s most beloved and versatile players.
The move was financially motivated, as Dubón was projected to earn $5.8 million in his final year of salary arbitration eligibility after making $5 million in 2025. Allen, 27, will enter his first arbitration-eligible season and provides the Astros with a younger, more cost-controlled option, though he is out of minor league options and must remain on the active roster or be designated for assignment.
Four Memorable Years in Houston
Dubón spent four seasons with the Astros after being acquired from the Giants in May 2022 for catcher Michael Papierski—a move Dubón later called the best thing for his career. He quickly became a fan favorite and essential piece of Houston’s roster, helping the team capture the 2022 World Series championship.
The 31-year-old Honduras native won American League utility Gold Glove Awards in both 2023 and 2025, showcasing his extraordinary defensive versatility. In 2025, Dubón made 104 starts across seven positions: second base (37), shortstop (24), third base (15), left field (15), center field (10), right field (2), and first base (1). Over his career with Houston, he appeared at every position except pitcher and catcher.
Dubón ranked third among AL players with 19 Outs Above Average in 2024 and posted 20 OAA in 2025—the sixth-most in all of Major League Baseball. His defensive metrics consistently placed him among baseball’s elite defenders: 14 defensive runs saved and +17 fielding run value in 2025.
Offensive Production Declined
While Dubón’s defense remained elite, his offensive production dipped significantly during his Houston tenure. He hit .256/.292/.367 over 485 games with the Astros, posting a .677 OPS the last three seasons. His numbers declined to an 87 OPS-plus in 2024 and 78 OPS-plus in 2025 (100 is MLB average).
In 2025, Dubón batted .241/.289/.355 with seven home runs, 28 extra-base hits, and a .644 OPS across 133 games. General manager Dana Brown expressed a desire to reduce the team’s aggressive approach at the plate, and Dubón remained among the Astros’ most free-swinging hitters.
What the Astros Get
Allen, also a defense-first player, was a Gold Glove finalist at shortstop in 2025 after serving as Atlanta’s primary shortstop for the first five months of the season. However, his offensive shortcomings were severe—he posted a .535 OPS in 2025, ranking last in the majors (minimum 350 plate appearances) in both OPS and wOBA (.245).
Allen finished 2025 with 17 Outs Above Average and 12 defensive runs saved, showcasing the elite glove that made him a third-round selection in the 2017 MLB Draft. He spent three seasons with the Athletics before joining the Braves, compiling a career .213 batting average.
The Astros’ plans for Allen remain unclear given their current roster construction. With Jeremy Peña entrenched at shortstop and Jose Altuve at second base, Allen’s role will likely be determined by additional roster moves this offseason.