Braves trade elite fielding shortstop to Astros for utility man

Toran Flores

Braves trade elite fielding shortstop to Astros for utility man image

The Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros are both starting the offseason in an aggressive fashion after both teams disappointingly finished 2025. Neither the Braves nor the Astros were able to make it to October baseball.

A change in the two rosters seemed to be what was needed, resulting in the two agreeing on a trade on Wednesday night. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Braves are sending shortstop Nick Allen to Houston in exchange for utility man Mauricio Dubon.

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Dubon, 31, has been one of the Astros' most consistent players in recent years, appearing in at least 132 games in each of the last three seasons. His ability to play in every position on defense while providing a consistent bat will be valuable for the Braves in 2026.

In 133 appearances for Houston in 2025, the former Gold Glove winner finished with a.241 batting average,.289 on-base percentage,.355 slugging rate, and.644 OPS while hitting seven home runs and 33 RBI.

Allen, 27, beat out long-time Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia for the everyday start last season, which led to Arcia getting designated for assignment early in 2026. Last season was the only year he played in Atlanta after starting his career with the Athletics

Through 135 appearances, Allen had a.221 batting average,.284 on-base percentage,.251 slugging rate, and a.535 OPS while hitting 22 RBI and stealing 8 bases. He was an NL Gold Glove finalist in 2025 and will bring those defensive abilities to Houston moving forward.

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