Houston — As the winter night began to descend upon Houston, a simple but heartfelt message from MauricioDubón’s wife brought tears to Astros fans’ eyes. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, she wrote that the Astros “gave us a home when we needed it most,” expressing her deep gratitude to the organization — and announcing that, for their family, the Houston chapter is now over.

The post came shortly after the team confirmed Dubón’s trade to the Atlanta Braves, ending an emotional four-year association since he arrived in Houston in 2022.

A journey that’s more than just a player card — from Honduras to Houston, from strangers to extended family

Famiglia Astoria — that’s what many fans and teammates have called the flesh and blood in the Astros clubhouse. For MauricioDubón, family includes not only his wife and children, but also the fan base, teammates, and the city of Houston — a place that has embraced him as one of its own. Many afternoons at Minute Maid Park, the chants of his name are not simply about the hit, but about the belief and support for a player from Honduras, who carries both dreams and memories.

Dubón has proven himself to be more than just a utility man during his time with the Astros — he played seven different positions in the 2025 season alone.

He won the Gold Glove Award in the utility category — the second of his career — a testament to his hard work, professionalism, and unwavering loyalty.

The Dubón trade is part of the Astros’ restructuring plan to reduce the budget — a move they had to make before the winter market.

However, it was clear that with that decision, the Astros lost not just a versatile player, but an icon in the hearts of the fans — someone that many used the word “forever” to describe.

“Part of the journey is the end… Thank you, Houston, for giving me a home when I needed it most.” — Dubón’s post-trade message, which also partly reflected the feelings of the whole family.

Dubón’s wife’s letter also emphasized: “We will always be grateful to Houston,” — a farewell not with hatred or resentment, but with respect, gratitude, and a gentle but emotional goodbye.

With Dubón gone — the Astros will need to fill the void in defensive versatility and experience at many positions. And for the fans, this was more than just a trade: it was a moment to witness an “out-of-town” player become an indispensable part, then leave with all the memories, emotions, and gratitude.

But in the wider world of MLB, Dubón and his family’s story will live on — as proof that baseball is more than just numbers, contracts, or milestones; sometimes, it’s about home, faith, and a heart that appreciates.