Braves Trade Nick Allen for Mauricio Dubón
The Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros have executed a trade, swapping middle infielders Nick Allen and Mauricio Dubón. This one-for-one transaction brings Dubón to Atlanta while Allen heads to Houston. The Braves are absorbing a minor financial commitment to enhance their infield.
Trade Details
- Players Involved: Mauricio Dubón (Braves) and Nick Allen (Astros)
- Braves’ Financial Commitment: Several million dollars to upgrade their infield
Player Profiles
Mauricio Dubón
Aged 31, Dubón previously spent nearly four seasons with the Astros. He initially joined the team from the San Francisco Giants in early 2022. Known for his versatility, Dubón has showcased a reliable performance off the bench.
- Awards: Two utility Gold Glove awards
- Positions Played: All three infield positions (left of first base), center field, and left field
- Batting Statistics:
- 2021 Performance: .278/.309/.411 with 10 home runs through nearly 500 plate appearances
- 2023 Season: .241/.289/.355 with seven home runs in 398 plate appearances
- Recent Two-Year Average: .256/.293/.358
Nick Allen
Nick Allen, 27, struggled offensively during his time in the majors. In 2023, he failed to hit a single home run in 416 plate appearances and recorded a line of .211/.284/.251, ranking among the worst hitters in the league.
- Career Batting Statistics: .213/.265/.272 over nearly 1200 plate appearances
- Defensive Skills:
- Ranked third-best shortstop in MLB by Defensive Runs Saved this season
- Statcast’s Outs Above Average also positioned him third
Impact on Teams
Dubón provides a higher offensive ceiling compared to Allen, making him a suitable candidate to support Atlanta’s infield while also offering cover for second and third base. His ability to hit left-handed pitching effectively (.288/.329/.417) positions him as a valuable asset in matchups.
For Houston, Allen brings elite defensive capabilities, although the Astros’ infield looks for ways to enhance their offensive output. They may explore additional trade options to address their lineup needs, particularly looking for a left-handed bat.
Contract Status and Future Prospects
- Dubón’s Arbitration Eligibility: Final year with a projected salary of $5.8 million
- Allen’s Situation: First-time arbitration eligible, projected at $1.5 million
This trade not only reflects each team’s strategic adjustments but also highlights the importance of versatility and performance in professional baseball.
