The Diamondbacks' New Acquisition: Shawn Dubin's Minor League Deal
Get ready for an exciting addition to the Diamondbacks' roster! We've got some breaking news to share, and it's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Diamondbacks and free agent pitcher Shawn Dubin have reached an agreement on a minor league deal, as reported by Baseball America's Matt Eddy. This move has been in the works for a while, but it's only now that the deal has been finalized. Dubin, a right-handed pitcher, is represented by Excel Sports Management, and his journey to this point is an intriguing one.
Dubin, at 30 years old, has dedicated almost his entire career to the Astros organization. Drafted in the 13th round back in 2018, he's been a consistent presence on the Astros' roster for the past three seasons. His performance in the upper minors has been impressive, with decent results and a strong strikeout rate. In 2024, he showed real promise with the Astros, pitching 45 1/3 innings with an ERA of 4.17 and an impressive 23.7% strikeout rate.
However, command has been an issue for Dubin, and it's something that has persisted throughout his career. In 2024, he walked 12.6% of his opponents, which is a concern. Despite this, Dubin's talent cannot be denied, and his ability to adapt and compete at the highest level is evident.
In 2025, Dubin's performance in Triple-A was exceptional, albeit in a small sample size. He dominated, allowing just one run, four hits, and one walk, while striking out 14 batters in 8 2/3 innings. This earned him a call-up to the majors, where he continued to impress with a 7.2% walk rate. However, his strikeout rate dipped to 18.9%, and he was designated for assignment by Houston in late August.
The Orioles claimed Dubin, and he pitched eight innings for them towards the end of the season. His performance was solid, allowing only three runs, but an elbow injury sidelined him for a period. Dubin's fastball typically sits between 94-96 mph, but with the Orioles, his average velocity dipped to 93.6 mph, which was a cause for concern. Thankfully, imaging revealed no major damage, and Dubin is expected to make a full recovery after a normal offseason.
Dubin's versatility as both a starter and a reliever is a valuable asset. If he remains healthy and is invited to the major league camp this spring, he could be a strong contender for a swingman role on the Diamondbacks' staff. With the re-signing of veteran Merrill Kelly, and a solid rotation including Ryne Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Michael Soroka, the Diamondbacks have a strong core. However, the depth beyond these key players is lacking in major league experience, which is where Dubin could step in and make a real impact.
But here's where it gets controversial... With Dubin's injury history and command issues, is this a risky move for the Diamondbacks? Or is it a smart acquisition that could pay dividends? And this is the part most people miss... Dubin's ability to adapt and his proven track record make him an intriguing prospect. What do you think? Is this a good move for the Diamondbacks? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
