The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to methodically add organizational depth as they prepare for the long grind of the upcoming season, with their latest move focused on reinforcing the bullpen. According to the team’s transaction records, Arizona has signed right-handed reliever to a league contract. Dubin, who has previously spent time with both the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles, will join the Diamondbacks’ system as a depth option rather than an immediate major league contributor.
Dubin is slated to report to Triple-A Reno, where he will bolster the Diamondbacks’ minor league bullpen and provide insurance in the event of injuries or performance issues at the big league level. The contract was officially backdated to December 19, 2025, suggesting that discussions between the two sides had been ongoing for some time before the transaction became public.
Now 30 years old, Dubin is a former 13th-round pick of the Houston Astros in the 2018 MLB Draft. Like many mid-round selections, his path to the majors was anything but linear. He spent several seasons climbing the minor league ladder, gradually refining his command and expanding his pitch mix. By 2021, Dubin had reached the Triple-A level, positioning himself as a potential depth arm for a Houston organization that has long valued versatile pitchers capable of filling multiple roles.
From that point forward, Dubin found himself in a familiar shuttle role, bouncing between Triple-A and the majors as roster needs fluctuated. While he made his major league debut in 2023, his exposure that season was limited, and he did not log a significant workload. It wasn’t until the 2024 campaign that Dubin was given a more extended opportunity to contribute at the highest level.
During the 2024 season, Dubin appeared in 31 games for the Astros, totaling 45.1 innings out of the bullpen. His results were respectable, if not eye-catching. He finished the year with a 4.17 ERA, supported by a 3.72 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), indicating that his performance was generally in line with his underlying metrics. While he did not establish himself as a high-leverage option, Dubin proved capable of handling middle-inning work and absorbing innings when needed, an important trait for any bullpen over the course of a full season.
The following year, however, brought more turbulence. Dubin struggled to replicate his previous success during the 2025 season, appearing in 23 games for Houston and posting a 5.63 ERA across 25.2 innings. His command wavered at times, and he was hit harder than in the prior season. As a result, the Astros designated him for assignment on August 23, signaling that his roster spot had become expendable amid Houston’s bullpen turnover.
Dubin’s major league journey did not end there. Shortly after being designated for assignment, he was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, a club known for taking chances on pitchers with intriguing underlying data. With Baltimore, Dubin showed signs of stabilization. He made seven appearances for the Orioles, allowing a 3.38 ERA over eight innings of work. While the sample size was small, it represented a noticeable improvement from his earlier struggles in Houston.
When combining his work between the two clubs, Dubin finished the season with an ERA north of 5.00. However, a closer look at the underlying metrics paints a more optimistic picture. His expected ERA (xERA) for the year sat at 3.74, suggesting that his results may have been skewed by factors such as defensive support, batted-ball luck, or sequencing. For teams seeking low-cost bullpen depth, those indicators often make a pitcher an appealing reclamation candidate.
Though Dubin has primarily been deployed as a reliever in recent seasons, his pitch arsenal resembles that of a starter. He leans on a four-seam fastball that typically sits in the mid-90s and complements it with a diverse secondary mix. His sweeper has emerged as a key offering, while he also incorporates a sinker, curveball, and changeup at relatively even rates. On occasion, he will flash a cutter as well, giving him multiple looks to challenge hitters. This variety allows Dubin to navigate lineups and gives him some flexibility in how he is used, whether in traditional relief roles or in longer stints if necessary.
Another factor working in Dubin’s favor is his familiarity with the Pacific Coast League, the notoriously hitter-friendly environment where the Reno Aces compete. Dubin has logged innings in the PCL across parts of four different seasons, giving him valuable experience in a league known for inflated offensive numbers and challenging pitching conditions. Notably, despite the PCL’s reputation, Dubin excelled there in 2025. He posted a remarkable 1.04 ERA over nine appearances, demonstrating an ability to limit damage even in difficult settings.
For the Diamondbacks, Dubin represents a classic depth signing: low risk, modest upside, and valuable experience. He does not project as an immediate addition to the major league bullpen, nor is he likely to factor prominently into the team’s Opening Day plans. However, the reality of a 162-game season often creates unexpected opportunities. Injuries, fatigue, and underperformance can quickly thin out a bullpen, making experienced arms like Dubin valuable call-up options.
At present, Arizona has not made any notable additions to its major league bullpen, leaving some questions about the group’s overall depth. With Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk both sidelined, the Diamondbacks remain in need of reliable relief options. However, their offseason approach has largely focused on low-risk, minor league signings rather than splashy acquisitions.
In that context, Dubin fits neatly into Arizona’s broader strategy. He provides experienced depth at Triple-A, has shown flashes of effectiveness at the major league level, and brings a versatile skill set that could prove useful if circumstances break the right way. While expectations should remain tempered, Dubin’s signing adds another layer of protection for a bullpen that may be tested as the season unfolds.
