There are plenty of needs for a Mariners team which finished the 2026 season ranked third-worst in scoring and dead-last in team fielding run value. In particular this includes at least one right-hand bat and, as per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, a left-side infielder to pair with Colt Emerson. Well, how about killing the proverbial two birds with one stone, and making a play for Mauricio Dubón?
Jude notes that the Mariners are in the market for a veteran infielder who can specifically play at either third base or shortstop, to help shore up what was a horrific defense this past season. However, the beauty with Dubón is that he can offer this and more. He’s just won his third Gold Glove in four years and can provide plus defense at multiple spots.
Dubón is a utility defender in the most positive sense of the term, with his ability to thrive all over the field during his eight years in the majors. He has big league experience at every infield and outfield spot, delivering wherever he plays in large part thanks to a Range (OAA) which usually ranks in the top decile, including in the 99th percentile as recently as 2025. What more could Jerry Dipoto ask for, especially with the Mariners’ president of baseball operations well known for loving utility players.
Offensively, Dubón is only perceived as an average-ish right-hand bat, but it does still come with some value. He has a solid career .740 OPS versus the left-handed pitching which caused the Mariners so many headaches throughout 2026. His patience and discipline at the plate was highlighted by ranking in the 95th percentile in K% this past season, in a campaign which also saw him set personal-bests of 12 home runs and 73 RBI.
Mauricio Dubón has enough prospective value to the Mariners to overcome any negatives
If you’re getting a top-tier glove, it’s easier to stomach whatever limitations there might by offensively (while acknowledging the Mariners would still have to be on the lookout for another right-hand bat). And with MLB Trade Rumors predicting Dubón to get a two-year deal worth $18 million, this is within the range of what the M’s can budget for in 2027. Of course, as is often the case, this is easier said than done.
The 2026 campaign was arguably the best of Dubón’s eight seasons in the majors, and it came in his first year with the Braves. He had a career-high 2.4 fWAR and played a single-season best of 153 regular season games, which speaks volumes about how important he was in Atlanta. He might be a free agent, but the MLB Trade Rumors trio of Steve Adams, Anthony Franco and Darragh McDonald are all predicting he will re-sign with the Braves for next season.
Still, predictions are just that, and this shouldn’t put the Mariners off attempting to snag Dubón. The pros outweigh any cons and aside from pairing him with Emerson on the left side of the infield, we also like the idea of him and Brendan Donovan serving as a roving platoon. Again, the M’s have plenty of needs, so why not sign a player who can cover several of them and excel?
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