Mauricio Dubón may have been wearing an Atlanta Braves uniform Friday night, but Houston made it clear that he is still one of its own.
Dubón returned to Daikin Park for the first time since the Astros traded him to Atlanta in November, and the club marked the occasion with a video tribute celebrating his four seasons in Houston. The montage highlighted some of Dubón’s best moments as an Astro, including his role on the 2022 World Series championship team.
Dubón also received a standing ovation from the Daikin Park crowd.
It was a fitting reception for a player who became a fan favorite in Houston largely by being willing—and able—to do just about anything the Astros asked of him.
From Utility Player to Gold Glover
The Astros acquired Dubón from the San Francisco Giants in May 2022, and he quickly became one of the most versatile players on the roster. His first season in Houston included a World Series championship, as the Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games.
Over four seasons in Houston, Dubón played virtually everywhere on the field and became an important part of the Astros’ bench and defense.
That versatility eventually brought some hardware. Dubón won the American League Gold Glove at the utility position in 2023 and again in 2025. During his final season with Houston, he made 104 starts at seven different positions and ranked among baseball’s best defenders.
A Houston Favorite
But Dubón’s popularity in Houston went beyond his defense. He became one of those players whose value was difficult to separate from his willingness to fill whatever role the Astros needed—starting for an injured teammate, moving around the diamond, or coming off the bench. And perhaps more importantly, Dubón endeared himself to fans with the warmth, humor, and genuine kindness that made him one of the most beloved personalities in the Astros clubhouse.
Fans also became familiar with Dubón’s beloved dogs, Marcelo and Cash, who were frequent fixtures in his life both on and off the field. He put their names on his gloves, cleats, and other equipment, and in 2025, the Astros even gave away a bobblehead featuring Dubón holding the pair.
Dubón and his wife, Nancy, welcomed their son, Luciano, on Nov. 30, 2024. His first Father’s Day the following June became one of the more memorable moments of his Astros career. Dubón delivered a walk-off hit in the 10th inning to give Houston a 2-1 victory over Minnesota, then held Luciano during an emotional postgame interview on the field.
A New Uniform, a Familiar Ballpark
Houston traded Dubón to Atlanta on Nov. 19, 2025, receiving infielder Nick Allen in return. The move gave the Astros additional payroll flexibility as they pursued pitching, while Allen came with three more years of team control.
Ten months later, Dubón walked back into his former ballpark from the visitors’ clubhouse.
Then, after Houston spent several minutes reminding everyone why they loved him, Dubón proceeded to be Dubón.
He went 2-for-5 in Atlanta’s 6-2 victory Friday, doubling in the fourth inning and adding a single in the seventh. The Braves clinched a postseason berth with the win.
For one night, though, the final score wasn’t the only story.
Players change teams. Uniforms change. Baseball moves on with remarkable speed.
But judging by the reception Mauricio Dubón received Friday night, Houston hasn’t forgotten Dubi.
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