Introduction

Mauricio Dubón is one of MLB’s most versatile and defensively gifted players — a utility man who brings value across infield and outfield. Born in Honduras, Dubón’s journey to the major leagues has been inspiring. In this article, we explore his career stats, contract and salary, trade history, and his defensive excellence that has earned him multiple Gold Glove Awards.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Mauricio André Dubón was born on July 19, 1994, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. His path to MLB was not traditional; he moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue his baseball dreams. Over time, his defensive versatility and commitment opened doors for him in the pros.
He was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox (in 2013), but his MLB debut came later, on July 7, 2019, with the Milwaukee Brewers. Since then, he has played for the Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and most recently was traded to the Atlanta Braves.
Career Stats
Batting and Offensive Performance
-
As of the 2025 season, Dubón has a career batting average of .257, with 39 home runs and 200 RBIs over his MLB tenure.
-
For the 2025 season alone, he slashed .241 / .289 / .355 (AVG / OBP / SLG), with 7 home runs and 33 RBIs in 133 games.
-
His performance with the Astros (2022–2025) includes 485 games, 368 hits, 24 HRs, and 142 RBIs.
While Dubón’s bat may not make him a star slugger, he brings consistent contact, good on-base skills, and occasional pop — especially for a utility player.
Defensive Value
Dubón’s real strength is his defensive versatility. He has started in seven different positions — including second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, right field, and first base.
He has also contributed in defensive runs saved (DRS) and fielding run value (FRV), showcasing that his glove is not just versatile but elite.
In the 2025 Gold Glove-winning season, Dubón posted +14 Defensive Runs Saved and a +17 Fielding Run Value, ranking him among the top defenders in the AL. He was in the 99th percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA) with 20, third in the AL.
Trade History
Mauricio Dubón’s journey in MLB includes a few notable trades:
-
From Giants to Astros: In May 2022, the Houston Astros acquired Dubón from the San Francisco Giants (in exchange for minor-league catcher Michael Papierski).
-
From Astros to Braves: In November 2025, the Atlanta Braves acquired Dubón in a trade, sending infielder Nick Allen to Houston.
This trade marked a significant move: the Braves landed a two-time Gold Glove utility player, while the Astros saved on payroll.
Contract and Salary
Salary History
-
In 2025, Dubón avoided arbitration by signing a $5 million contract with the Astros.
-
Earlier in his arbitration career, he contested for $3.5 million and won.
-
According to some salary-tracking sources, his career earnings are moderate for a utility player.
Contract Status
At the time of the trade to the Braves (Nov 2025), Dubón was entering his final arbitration-eligible season, which made him a more manageable acquisition in terms of cost.
Gold Glove Awards & Defensive Excellence
One of the defining features of Mauricio Dubón’s career is his Gold Glove pedigree.
-
First Gold Glove (Utility): Dubón won his first American League Gold Glove in 2023 at the utility position. He started in five different defensive spots that season and impressed with his consistent defense.
-
Second Gold Glove (Utility): In 2025, he won his second AL Gold Glove for utility players.
-
His 2025 season was historically notable: he became only the seventh Astro to win multiple Gold Gloves, and the only Astros position player to do so in the AL.
His defensive metrics in 2025 — 14 DRS, +17 FRV, 20 Outs Above Average — are among the best in the league for utility players.
Strengths and Role in the Team
-
Versatility: Dubón is the ultimate utility man. His ability to play almost everywhere in the field gives his teams immense roster flexibility.
-
Defense-first mindset: While his bat is serviceable, it’s his defense that truly stands out and makes him valuable.
-
Veteran presence: Having played multiple seasons in MLB, Dubón brings experience that helps both the infield and outfield, especially in times of injury.
-
Cost-effective: For a player with such defensive value, his arbitration-level salary makes him a relatively efficient piece.
For the Braves, acquiring Dubón gives them a Gold Glove-caliber defender, someone who can fill in across positions and provide steady value without breaking the bank.
Challenges & Areas for Improvement
-
Offensive consistency: His batting numbers, while decent, are not standout. For him to become more than a utility piece, more consistent offense could help.
-
Limited power: With 39 career home runs over several seasons, power is not a major part of his game.
-
Roster competition: On a roster with established infielders and athletes, finding everyday at-bats might be tough; much of his value remains in his glove.
Impact & Legacy
Mauricio Dubón’s career is a testament to the value of defensive versatility in modern baseball. In an era where teams prize multi-positional players, Dubón embodies the kind of role player who can make a huge difference without being the face of the franchise.
As a Honduran-born MLB player, he also serves as an inspiration for young athletes from non-traditional baseball countries, showcasing that talent plus hard work can pave a path to success in the major leagues.
Future Outlook (with the Braves)
Now with the Atlanta Braves, Dubón’s future role could be highly strategic:
-
Utility Core: He may continue as the Swiss-army knife — filling in wherever injuries strike.
-
Defensive Bridge: He could be used to bridge defensive gaps late in games or in high-leverage defensive situations.
-
Mentor Role: With his experience and defensive savvy, Dubón can mentor younger infielders or utility players in the Braves’ roster.
If the Braves leverage him well, he could easily continue to be a foundational piece, especially in tight roster constructions.
FAQs
1. What positions does Mauricio Dubón play?
Dubón is a true utility player — over his MLB career he has played second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, right field, and first base.
2. How many Gold Gloves has Dubón won?
He has won two American League Gold Gloves at the utility position: in 2023 and 2025.
3. What was Dubón’s 2025 batting average?
In the 2025 season, he batted .241, with a .289 on-base percentage and .355 slugging.
4. For how much was Dubón traded to the Braves?
The Braves acquired him from the Astros in November 2025, trading Nick Allen in return.
5. What is Dubón’s salary?
In 2025, he signed a $5 million contract with the Astros, avoiding arbitration.
6. Is Mauricio Dubón known more for his offense or defense?
He is best known for his defensive versatility. While his bat contributes, it’s his ability to play multiple positions at a high defensive level that sets him apart.
7. Where is Mauricio Dubón from?
Dubón is from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, making him one of the few MLB players from that country.
Conclusion
Mauricio Dubón is not your average baseball player. He may not headline with home runs or All-Star nods, but his defensive mastery and multi-positional utility make him indispensable. His two Gold Gloves are proof that his glove is his strongest tool.
Now with the Braves, Dubón has a fresh chapter ahead. If used well, he could continue to be one of MLB’s most valuable role players — a man whose true worth is measured not just in stats but in the flexibility and defensive security he gives his team.
Leave a Reply