While the Boston Red Sox offseason began weeks ago after falling to the New York Yankees in the Wild Card round, the official offseason is right around the corner as the Milwaukee Brewers close in on the first World Series title in franchise history. As the Red Sox prepare for a crucial offseason where they'll look to get over the hump and become a true World Series contender, could former farmhand and utility man Mauricio Dubón emerge as a free-agent target? 

A 26th-round pick of Boston in the 2013 MLB Draft, Dubón was traded to Milwaukee in December 2016 alongside Josh Pennington and Travis Shaw for reliever Tyler Thornburg. A now eight-year veteran, the 32-year-old utility man has spent time with the San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves. 

2026 was a career year for Dubón with Atlanta. In 153 games, he hit .276/.321/.399/.720 with career highs in doubles (28), home runs (12), and RBI (73). Overall, Dubón has posted a career slash line of .261/.301/.379/.680 in 817 career games. 

A two-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2026 nominee, Dubón has played every position on the diamond except pitcher and catcher. In 2026, he spent most of his time at shortstop (62 games) and left field (85 games). While he provides average or above-average defense across the board, he is best suited in the middle infield or in the outfield. In 1,506 innings at second base, Dubón has racked up 16 defensive runs saved and outs above average, while posting a fielding run value of 17. In 1,177.2 innings at short, Dubón posted a pedestrian zero defensive runs saved, but 18 outs above average and a fielding run value of 12. In 2,818.1 innings in the outfield, the 32-year-old has posted 22 defensive runs saved, 12 outs above average, and a fielding run value of 13. 

With veteran infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa set to hit free agency and fourth outfielder Eli White's status in question for 2027 after undergoing surgery on a torn ligament in his right foot in September, Dubón could be a perfect replacement for both players, while taking up only one spot on the bench. 

However, with Andruw Monasterio, Romy Gonzalez, Anthony Seigler, and Nick Sogard all under contract for 2027, the bench utility role will be a crowded competition in spring training. That said, Dubón would comfortably be the best defensive player of the bunch, and his ability to play both infield and outfield adds even more value. 

In his top-40 free-agent article on Tuesday morning, former Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals GM and The Athletic writer Jim Bowden named Dubón the No. 35 free agent. According to Bowden, the 32-year-old could be in line for a two-year, $16-million deal with the Red Sox and Braves as the best fits for his services. 

Free agency will officially open five days after the conclusion of the World Series.