The Atlanta Braves kicked off Spring Training with more than just a fresh set of drills and depth chart decisions-they welcomed a new face who’s bringing a deeply personal connection to the clubhouse. Mauricio Dubon, acquired from the Houston Astros back in November, isn’t just here to fill a spot. For him, wearing a Braves jersey hits different.
Dubon grew up in Honduras, where Braves baseball wasn’t just another team on TV-it was the team, thanks to the TBS broadcasts that reached far beyond U.S. borders. For a young kid watching from Central America, legends like Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones weren’t just stars-they were heroes.
Now, at 31, Dubon finds himself stepping into the same uniform as the players who shaped his love for the game. And he’s not taking that lightly.
“I met Chipper in 2023,” Dubon said during his first media session at CoolToday Park in North Port. “It was emotional getting traded here.” That emotion wasn’t about leaving Houston-it was about arriving in Atlanta, the place that lit the spark for his baseball journey.
Dubon’s arrival comes at a crucial time. With Ha-Seong Kim recovering from a torn tendon in his right middle finger, Dubon is expected to handle shortstop duties on Opening Day.
It’s a big role, but one he’s ready for-not just physically, but emotionally. He’s not just stepping in; he’s stepping up, with a sense of purpose that goes beyond the box score.
This isn’t just another roster move for Atlanta. It’s a story that bridges eras-the past glory of the TBS days and the present-day grind of a team with championship aspirations.
Dubon’s connection to the Braves isn’t just a nice narrative; it’s a reminder of the franchise’s global footprint and cultural reach. The TBS era didn’t just build a fanbase-it built future players.
And with Andruw Jones recently getting the Hall of Fame nod, the nostalgia around those late-90s, early-2000s Braves teams is running high. Dubon’s story fits right into that moment.
He’s a utility player by trade, but his role in Atlanta could carry more weight than just innings and at-bats. He brings infield versatility, sure-but also a deep-rooted appreciation for the franchise’s legacy.
Mauricio Dubon is another new addition that says he grew up watching the Braves on TBS in Honduras.
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 14, 2026
Said it was emotional getting traded here. Said he met Chipper Jones in 23 and is excited to put on the same jersey #Braves pic.twitter.com/PUC0MqOZS9
For Braves fans, especially those who remember the days of nightly TBS broadcasts, Dubon’s presence feels familiar. Not just because of the position he’ll play, but because of the pride he takes in wearing the jersey. As Spring Training ramps up, the Braves aren’t just breaking in new gloves and getting reps-they’re adding a player whose heart has been in Atlanta long before he ever set foot in Georgia.