Astros Cut Payroll, Trade Gold Glover Dubón

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is prioritizing staying beneath the luxury tax threshold this offseason. The team recently traded two-time Gold Glover Mauricio Dubón to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Nick Allen, a move that signals a continued effort to trim payroll. This transaction occurred just days after designating fellow utilityman Ramón Urías for assignment.

These payroll-cutting measures are crucial as the Astros enter arbitration negotiations and aim to address their starting rotation and potentially add offensive depth. The combined moves are estimated to have reduced the team's projected payroll by $15.2 million, bringing them closer to their goal of remaining under the luxury tax line.

Dubón, a clubhouse favorite and key contributor during the 2022 World Series run, provided significant defensive value across multiple positions. His departure, along with Urías, creates financial flexibility and opens up roster spots as Houston prepares for winter acquisitions.