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Houston Astros fans adore Mauricio Dubón, the versatile infielder known for his hustle and reliable play. But before he became a beloved figure in H-Town, Dubón experienced a baseball trial unlike any other: attempting to navigate the world of MLB contracts and representation… entirely on his own. In a candid interview on the Most Valuable Sports Agent podcast, hosted by Matt Hannaford, president and CEO of ALIGND Sports Agency, Dubón recounted his brief and ultimately disastrous stint as his own agent.

The story begins after the MLB Draft, a pivotal moment for any aspiring player. Dubón, fresh off being selected, found himself facing a complex landscape of contracts, negotiations, and the pressure of starting a professional career. Instead of seeking experienced guidance, he decided to go it alone, believing he could handle the intricacies of the business side of baseball.

“I thought, ‘I can do this myself. I’ll figure it out,’” Dubón admitted. “I was young, naive, and honestly, a little stubborn.” He dove into research, attempting to understand contract clauses, agent responsibilities, and negotiation strategies. However, he quickly realized the sheer volume of information was overwhelming, and the stakes were far higher than he initially anticipated.

The experience wasn't just about the learning curve; it was about missed opportunities. Dubón described feeling lost and unsure during contract negotiations, ultimately accepting a deal that, in retrospect, wasn’t as favorable as it could have been. “I was so focused on just getting a contract,” he explained,