The Atlanta Braves have a big offseason in store. As MLB’s hot stove heats up, they hope to be at the forefront of big moves made. On Wednesday, the Braves’ front office made two notable moves that should get the attention of fans.
First, the team announced that they are bringing back reliever Raisel Iglesias on a one-year, $16 million deal. Then, minutes later, the Atlanta Braves announced they traded away shortstop Nick Allen to the Houston Astros in exchange for Mauricio Dubón.
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Braves Bring in Mauricio Dubón from Astros
The Braves had a clear need for another middle infielder entering this offseason. It took the Braves 130+ games to receive a home run from a shortstop last season, and the man who went yard is Ha-Seong Kim. The Braves acquired Kim off waivers in August.
Acquiring Dubón is a slight upgrade from Nick Allen, but not by much. Nick Allen played 135 games for Atlanta in 2025 and posted a .221 average and a .251 slugging percentage. His OPS+ has yet to exceed 61 in a season during his career. In 382 career games, Allen has an OPS of .536.
As for Mauricio Dubón, he’s been around a little longer, but also doesn’t provide much with the bat. He hit .241 with seven home runs and an OPS of .644 in 2025. The Braves will serve as his fourth MLB organization entering his eighth season. The most home runs he’s hit in a season are 10. So while it’s a slight improvement offensively, trading for Dubón isn’t a needle mover. However, Dubón is a versatile infielder who has shown the ability to play over the diamond in his career.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Nick Allen #2 of the Atlanta Braves rounds third base to score on a Matt Olson single in the eighth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on September 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
Making this trade may indicate that the Braves are unlikely to re-sign Ha-Seong Kim and might also be out of the running for the Bo Bichette sweepstakes. However, it is unclear at this time how interested the team is in bringing Kim back.
The Financials of This Trade Are Important
The financial details of this deal are crucial to understand why it was made.
Chandler Rome, who covers the Houston Astros, indicates that Dubón is predicted to make $5.18 million via arbitration this offseason. As for Nick Allen, he is projected to earn $1.5 million. So the Astros are essentially saving some money by trading away Dubón.
But what are they really gaining in Allen, who can only defend and will hardly do anything with the bat? And even Dubón won a Gold Glove this season.
As for the rest of the Braves’ offseason plans, acquiring another depth starter would be nice, and if Marcell Ozuna walks in free agency, Atlanta would have another need at designated hitter.
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