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HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 01: Mauricio Dubon #14 of the Houston Astros reacts with teammates after scoring during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Minute Maid Park on May 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
On Thursday night, the Houston Astros lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 5-1.
They have had a tough start to the 2026 season, as the fourth-place team in the American League West with a 28-36 record in 64 games.
Astros Trading Away Dubón Looks Like A Mistake
GettyMauricio Dubon #14 of the Houston Astros reacts to hitting an RBI double during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Minute Maid Park on May 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas.
With the season well underway, it’s worth noting that the Astros made a trade that looks like a massive mistake right now.
They sent Mauricio Dubón to the Atlanta Braves (on November 19, 2025) for Nick Allen.
The #Braves today acquired INF Mauricio Dubón from the Houston Astros in exchange for INF Nick Allen: pic.twitter.com/J7HFDfLXwv
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 20, 2025
Looking At Allen This Season
GettyNick Allen #20 of the Houston Astros looks on while running the bases during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Daikin Park on April 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Allen is batting .276 with 16 hits, one home run, five RBI’s, 12 runs and one stolen base in 33 games.
He has been solid, but far from a major player on the Astros this season.
In addition, they are one of the worst teams in baseball.
Looking At Dubón This Season
GettyMauricio Dubón #14 of the Atlanta Braves runs off the field in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
On the other side, Dubón has helped the Braves get off to the best start in the MLB this season (with a 42-21 record in 63 games).
He has hit a home run in each of his last two games.
Right now, the 2022 World Series Champion is batting .255 with 55 hits, five home runs, 33 RBI’s and 24 runs in 59 games this season.
The 31-year-old is also able to play any field position that the Braves need.
Mauricio Dubón brings the Braves within one run late with a solo blast!
He has home runs in consecutive games for just the third time in his career 🔥
Social Media Weighs In
GettyMauricio Dubon #14 of the Houston Astros looks on after defeating the Texas Rangers in Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 18, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.
Here’s what people have been saying during the season:
@michaelbeck: “They aren’t even close to the same level. Mauricio Dubon could fill in at almost any position on the field they needed and not just fill-in, but be a superior defensive player and a clutch hitter. It was a stupid move to get rid of Mauricio Dubon.”
@_NickGray: “Mauricio Dubon for Nick Allen is a real trade that happened.”
@Joshbeinglame: “Dubon for Allen might be the greatest trade in the history of this franchise”
@Readyandwill: “I don’t think the Dubon trade was fair nor even.”
@bretwofford: “AA should win Exec of year on this trade alone. Dubon reminds me of Prado, just a ball player.”
The Braves and Astros have a series later in the year (on September 18) in Houston.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
