Dubon has worked with High-A Salem hitting coach Nelson Paulino to become more selective at the plate, resulting in improved strikeout and walk rates while making frequent, hard contact, the Boston Globe reports.
The 21-year-old shortstop has struck out just nine times in 143 plate appearances, dropping his whiff rate from 13.6 percent to 6.3 percent in 2016. His walk rate has ticked up from 7.7 percent to 9.8 percent as well. "He was just hitting the ball where it was pitched, and it was really impressive. It was a really good look. That, with the makeup and playing shortstop, it was just, 'Wow'," said one scout watching Salem. "He's impressed me more than anyone. From last year to this year, whether it's him improving, my opinion of him changing, or both, he's going to be an above-average player." Dubon has so far exceeded the expectations normally associated with a 26th round draft pick (2013).