The Red Sox may have been linked to Mauricio Dubon, but the fit looks off on paper.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden pegged Boston as one of the “best team fits” for the versatile infielder/outfielder, listing the Red Sox alongside the Atlanta Braves and projecting a two-year, $16 million deal. Bowden pointed to Dubon’s ability to move all over the field and his production this year as reasons he could draw interest.
"[Mauricio Dubon] is one of the best utility players in the game and he can play all over the infield and outfield," Bowden wrote. "This year, he hit .276 with 12 homers and 10 steals in 572 at-bats while playing 99 games in the outfield, 62 games at shortstop, eight games at third base and four games at second base. ...
Best team fits: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox. Contract prediction: 2 years, $16 million."
Dubon would bring value. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner, an eight-year big league veteran and someone who has carved out a strong career after starting out in Boston’s system. The Red Sox drafted him in the 26th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, then traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016 before he reached the majors in 2019.
But that’s exactly why the rumor feels misplaced for Boston right now. The Red Sox need power in the middle of the lineup above almost everything else.
They can also always use more relief help, and if Sonny Gray walks, a veteran right-handed starter would be worth exploring. Still, the biggest need is clear: a bat with impact.
Dubon’s 2026 line - .276/.321/.399 with 12 home runs, 73 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 153 games - shows a useful player, not the kind of middle-of-the-order jolt Boston is looking for. His 12 homers were a career high, but the Red Sox already have players who can cover multiple spots. Adding another one could create more roster congestion without solving the power issue.
So while Dubon is a solid player and a valuable piece for plenty of teams, this is the kind of speculation that doesn’t line up with what Boston actually needs. If the Red Sox are going to spend this winter, it should be on a different type of impact.
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