February 20, 2025
Houston Astros infielder
Mauricio Dubon is expected to see more opportunities at second base when
Jose Altuve moves to the outfield. During the start of spring training, Dubon has been deployed as the top option at the keystone while Altuve is working with the outfielders. While Altuve will likely still see most of his starts at the keystone, when he does move to the outfield, Dubon will likely get the nod at second base. Last season, Dubon saw time at several positions, including second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. Across 137 games last season, the 30-year-old posted a .269/.296/.361 line with four home runs and three stolen bases. He showed a strong eye at the plate with a 12.9 percent strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring the Houston lineup during spring training, as Dubon could have value in deeper AL-only formats if he continues to have a spot in the starting lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Will Kunkel
January 9, 2025
The Houston Astros and utility man
Mauricio Dubon settled on a $5 million deal for the 2025 season on Thursday to avoid salary arbitration, according to a source. Dubon will have one more year of arbitration eligibility. The 30-year-old veteran is currently recovering after having surgery to fix a torn UCL in his left thumb in October, but barring a setback, he should be ready for Opening Day in 2025. The Honduras native slashed .269/.296/.361 with a .657 OPS, only four home runs, a career-high 47 RBI, three stolen bases and 45 runs scored in 137 games in his second full season with the Astros in 2024. Dubon's game on offense is based on putting the ball in play, but he doesn't hit the ball very hard and has limited power, making him a low-upside commodity in AL-only leagues mostly. His biggest draw in those fantasy leagues is his positional versatility, as he can basically play anywhere on the diamond.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
October 9, 2024
Houston Astros utility man
Mauricio Dubon (thumb) played the final month of the 2024 season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb, according to a person with knowledge of the injury. Dubon will need surgery to fix the ligament damage, which will be performed by renowned hand surgeon Dr. Thomas Graham. The typical recovery time for the injury is six to eight weeks, meaning Dubon should be at full strength for the start of spring training next February. He initially injured his thumb sliding into first base on Sept. 6 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, although X-rays showed no damage at the time. Dubon played well despite the injury in 18 games, hitting .291/.322/.346 over 59 plate appearances. MLBTradeRumors projects Dubon to earn $4.6 million this winter in his third time through the salary arbitration process. The 30-year-old hit .269/.296/.361 with four homers and three steals in 137 games in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
February 6, 2024
Houston Astros utility man
Mauricio Dubon won his arbitration case, securing a $3.5 million salary for the upcoming season, compared to the $3 million the team filed for. The 29-year-old posted a 97 wRC+ in 2023, batting .278 and playing in 132 games. After featuring at seven different positions in 2023, the team sees him as an invaluable asset, offering tremendous lineup flexibility, especially during playoff time. Despite the presence of
Jose Altuve,
Chas McCormick,
Kyle Tucker, and
Jake Meyers, Dubon's role as a super-utility man is expected to remain unchanged, ensuring his frequent appearances across various positions in the lineup.
--Tony Camino - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
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