The Giants made a roster move Monday, designating outfielder Justin Dean for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster following the signing of right-hander Tyler Mahle.
Dean, 29, has yet to suit up for San Francisco in a regular-season game. He was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers in early November, not long after celebrating a World Series title with Los Angeles.
While Dean’s role with the Dodgers was limited, he made his big league debut last year, appearing in 18 regular-season games. His contributions came almost exclusively on the basepaths and in the field – he logged just two plate appearances during the season and none in 13 postseason appearances.
Speed and defense are the cornerstones of Dean’s game, and that’s been consistent throughout his professional career. Since turning pro in 2018 (excluding the canceled 2020 season), he’s posted double-digit stolen base totals every year. Power, however, hasn’t been a major part of his profile – he’s yet to reach double digits in home runs in any season.
From 2021 through 2025, Dean racked up over 2,000 plate appearances in the minors. His patience at the plate is evident in a solid 12.1% walk rate, but he’s also struggled with swing-and-miss tendencies, striking out in 28.6% of those trips.
That said, there were signs of progress last year. He trimmed his strikeout rate to 23.6% in Triple-A, a meaningful step forward.
The improved contact helped him post a .289/.378/.431 slash line, good for a 110 wRC+, while swiping 27 bases in just 90 games.
It’s the kind of profile that fits nicely in a fourth or fifth outfielder role – a guy who can come off the bench, cover all three outfield spots, and wreak havoc on the bases. The Giants clearly saw enough upside to take a flier on him back in November. But with roster space at a premium, he’s now the odd man out.
The Giants may be hoping Dean clears waivers, which would allow them to keep him in the organization as non-roster depth. Since he doesn’t have three years of MLB service time and hasn’t been outrighted before, he wouldn’t have the right to reject a minor league assignment if he goes unclaimed.
Dean still has a full set of minor league options, which could make him appealing to other clubs looking for a speed-and-defense piece to stash in Triple-A. For now, he enters DFA limbo – a process that could play out over the next few days. Waivers take 48 hours, and the Giants have up to five days to explore trade possibilities.
