HOUSTON — Astros owner Jim Crane is wary of crossing the luxury tax threshold this winter, according to multiple team sources, even though Houston intends to address its depleted starting rotation and perhaps add another left-handed bat.
But before beginning those pursuits, the team is trying to create more maneuverability beneath the luxury tax threshold. The latest sign of that continuing effort to trim payroll came Wednesday, when the Astros traded two-time Gold Glove winner Mauricio Dubón to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Nick Allen.
Dealing Dubón comes one day after the Astros designated fellow utilityman Ramón Urías for assignment and one day before the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Carrying both Dubón and Urías on Houston’s 26-man roster made little sense, but moving on from both in two days signals the Astros’ need to create more payroll flexibility.
The team entered this winter about $20 million under the first luxury tax threshold, according to multiple outside approximations, but has now cut an estimated $15.8 million from that number.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Urías and Dubón are estimated to receive a combined $10.2 million in arbitration this winter. Houston already cut ties this month with outfielder Chas McCormick and injured pitcher Luis Garcia, two players who were projected to earn $5.6 million in arbitration.
Allen, meanwhile, is expected to earn just $1.5 million during his first trip through the arbitration process. The 27-year-old infielder could profile as Dubón’s replacement on Houston’s active roster — a jack of all trades infielder who can provide coverage at third base, shortstop and, most importantly, second base.
Acquired from the San Francisco Giants in one of the shrewdest moves of James Click’s tenure as general manager, Dubon morphed into an invaluable asset for the Astros’ World Series run in 2022 while turning himself into a clubhouse favorite and pivotal piece of Houston’s culture.
Dubon won the American League utility Gold Glove award in 2023 and 2025. He appeared in at least 132 games in each of his three full seasons as an Astro, becoming a safety net in the case of injuries or ineffectiveness throughout Houston’s lineup.
Dubon even turned himself into a viable option at first base — a position he said he had not played since high school — while also alternating between all three outfield spots. In 2022 and 2023, former manager Dusty Baker became fond of playing Dubon in center field on days ace Justin Verlander pitched, crediting Dubon’s strong throwing arm and defensive aptitude.
Dubón could see more regular time in Atlanta, where incumbent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim declined his $16 million player option and hit free agency. The Braves still hope to re-sign Kim, but now have a capable insurance policy in case he is out of their price range.
With few quality shortstops available and several teams looking for one, Kim is expected to command a multiyear deal. The Athletic’s Tim Britton projected that Kim would land a three-year deal worth $50 million.
After the trade, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said he was comfortable with Dubón at shortstop, citing the team’s “underlying data.” Anthopoulos also praised Dubón’s versatility at second base, third base and all three spots in the outfield.
“We like the contact and the speed as well,” Anthopoulos said. “So, just a good piece. You know, you’re gonna need that over the course of the year. We’ve had a bunch of injuries the last few years, and the fact that he does it and he’s a phenomenal teammate, just a great fit for us.”
But Anthopoulos stopped short of defining Dubón’s role before the rest of the offseason plays out.
“Knowing he has the flexibility and the athleticism and the ability to do all that stuff,” Anthopoulos said, “it just gives us so many options this winter.”
