In college, Dubin switched between Erie (N.Y.) CC, Buffalo, and Georgetown (Ky.). He received NAIA All-America honors in 2018 and was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft for Georgetown in twenty-one years.
He was signed in the 13th round for barely $1,000, and in his first full professional season, he led the High-A Carolina League in strikeouts (132 in 98 2/3 innings).
He also made the Astros’ postseason pool in 2020, however he didn’t play in the playoffs.
When fit, he destroyed Triple-A hitters and earned a spot on the 40-man roster after missing two months of the previous season due to forearm soreness. He returned in late July.
Dubin’s fastball went from averaging 90 mph to sitting at 93-96 and maxing out at 99 mph after gaining 25 pounds and improving the integration of his lower half into his delivery as a professional.
His two-plane break mid-80s slider, which is excellent against both right- and left-handers, has the potential to be deadly.
In addition to mixing in a low-80s curveball and an upper-80s changeup that gets overly firm and has a slight fade, he primarily uses these two offerings.
Dubin is still shorter and skinnier than the average starter despite gaining strength, and the effort in his delivery raises more questions about his durability in that position.
Although he throws a respectable number of strikes, his control and command are at best average, which is another reason he’ll probably end up in a major league bullpen.
He might excel as a high-leverage reliever because, when healthy, his fastball/slider combo can be dynamite.
How Much Does Shawn Dubin Make?
Shawn Dubin’s salary has not been released. Shawn signed for the Astros for $1000 in the 2018 season.