{"id":109879,"date":"2025-11-24T21:42:41","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T02:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=109879"},"modified":"2025-11-24T21:42:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T02:42:41","slug":"surprise-trade-why-astros-moved-on-mauricio-dubon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/11\/24\/surprise-trade-why-astros-moved-on-mauricio-dubon\/","title":{"rendered":"Surprise Trade: Why the Astros Moved On from Mauricio Dub\u00f3n"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Houston Astros have not been afraid to make moves<\/a> this offseason, and that continued last week. In a move that caught Astros fans off guard, the team traded Gold Glove utility man Mauricio Dub\u00f3n<\/a>\u00a0to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night for infielder Nick Allen<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The trade<\/a> developed quickly over a few hours after reports surfaced<\/a> Wednesday evening that teams were interested in Dub\u00f3n.<\/p>\n

The Astros followed through and traded the two-time Gold Glove winner, surprising many. Here\u2019s why the Astros traded a fan favorite and one of the most valuable culture players in the clubhouse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Chas
Oct 19, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Mauricio Dubon (14) and left fielder Chas McCormick (20) and right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) celebrate the Astros victory over the Texas Rangers in game four of the ALCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why Mauricio Dub\u00f3n Was Traded<\/h2>\n

Astros fans were shocked and disappointed to see such a well-known player traded. The simple answer for why he was traded is payroll.<\/p>\n

2026 is Dub\u00f3n\u2019s final year of arbitration before his price will significantly go up. After winning his second<\/a> Gold Glove and establishing himself as a premier utility man, Dub\u00f3n\u2019s value is currently at its highest. Dub\u00f3n will be owed $5.8 million this season, according to MLB Trade Rumors, and Allen will be owed much less at $1.5 million.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Astros will likely save around $4 million. Allen will also be heading into his first year of arbitration, giving Houston much more control over his salary and making him affordable with three years of team control remaining.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Forever grateful for you, Dubi.<\/p>\n

Thank you for everything, wishing you the best of luck in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com\/pN0s0cUsbf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Houston Astros (@astros) November 20, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n