The Atlanta Braves were rather busy on Wednesday. Things started with their trade for Rockies pitcher Ryan Rolison for cash. Hours later, Atlanta announced they agree to terms on a one-year, $16 million contract to bring back closer Raisel Iglesias.
It felt like that might enough for one day. However, the Braves weren't finished making moves as they completed a trade to impact their infield. Rumors had been going around earlier in the day after a report from Braves insider Mark Bowman that the Braves had interest in Mauricio Dubon.
Atlanta confirmed this to be true as they announced a trade for Dubon that sent Nick Allen to Houston in return.
The #Braves today acquired INF Mauricio Dubón from the Houston Astros in exchange for INF Nick Allen: pic.twitter.com/J7HFDfLXwv
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 20, 2025
Braves swing trade for super utilityman Mauricio Dubon, but his actual role remains unclear
Dubon is very similar to Allen defensively and has won two Gold Gloves. His most recent Gold Glove came after the 2025 season, after he carried a 20 OAA. However, he is slightly better offensively even though neither player is going to be winning Home Run Derbys anytime soon unless all of the other contestants fall over dead.
It isn't a drastic difference, though, as Dubon slashed .241/.289/.355 with seven homers, 21 doubles, and 33 RBI last year. We don't know yet if this means Atlanta has found their starting shortstop for 2026. Dubon has played in a utility role during his time with the Astros, and could do the same for the Braves. He has experience at second base, shortstop, third base, center field, and left field. One possible explanation is that adding Dubon gives Atlanta some leverage in talks with other shortstops given that they could play Dubon at short every day.
Dubon doesn't strikeout or whiff a lot, but he does need to work on taking more walks and actually impacting the baseball. Atlanta needs a player that makes more contact in the lineup, so this feels like a step in the right direction.
MLB Trade Rumors reported that this trade is a money-saving move for Houston. Dubon is projected to earn $5.8 million next season while Allen is slate to earn $1.5 million. If Braves fans need confidence the team is willing to spend money, this is yet another sign they mean it so far.