Mauricio Dubon
DOB: 7/19/94
Acquired: 2013 26th round draft choice out of high school in California
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Ht: 6-0 Wt. 160
Scouting Report: Quick hands on both sides of the ball. Makes frequent contact but sometimes would be better served to take pitches rather than make weak contact. Gaining confidence fielding ball at shortstop. Strong arm that can make all throws required of his position. Developing base stealing instincts with above average speed (23 swipes in 2016). Defensive skills could allow development as super-utility player in majors
Outlook: A .306 hitter over 330 professional games, Dubon exploded in the second half of last season at Salem, posting a .362/.384/.580 batting line in 188 at-bats after the All-Star break. Splitting time between High A Salem and Double A Portland, Dubon’s hitting improved after the promotion, improving from a .766 OPS in Salem to .909 in Portland. While not a power hitter, he showed some pop at Portland with his .538 slugging percentage there. Though he is blocked at shortstop, if you can hit, they will always find a place for you.
AFL Goals: Continued success against a high level of competition is the immediate goal. It wouldn’t surprise this observer if he tried to get some reps at second base in addition to shortstop which he played exclusively this season. He has also seen action at third base which is another possibility. If he excels in Arizona, he will cement a promotion to Triple A Pawtucket next season, if not at the outset of the season, soon after.