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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Justin Dean spent two relatively quiet months on the San Francisco Giants' 40-man roster. He never wore their uniform, let alone appeared in a game.
The two months before that were the most eventful of Dean's career in professional baseball. He received his first major league promotion, got his first major-league at-bat, and appeared in 13 postseason games as the Los Angeles Dodgers marched to the World Series championship.
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The whirlwind continued for Dean when the Giants claimed him off waivers on Nov. 6 — three days after the Dodgers held their celebratory parade in Los Angeles.
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Two months to the day after he joined the Dodgers' historic rivals, Dean was designated for assignment Tuesday. The Giants needed to create a spot on their 40-man roster for pitcher Tyler Mahle, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with incentives. Dean was the odd man out.
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Dean, 29, went 0 for 2 in 18 regular season games after being promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City in August. He only appeared on offense as a pinch runner in his 13 postseason games.
Yet Dean was a key member of the Dodgers' outfield and a frequent defensive replacement in October as the Dodgers claimed their second consecutive World Series title.
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The Giants have seven days to either trade Dean, or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers. If he is claimed off waivers by another club, he will immediately join their 40-man roster, at which point he can be optioned to the minor leagues.
Dean's most memorable moment came in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 of the World Series.
Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger slugged a ball to left-center field that lodged between the bottom of the fence and the playing field. Dean and Dodgers left fielder Kiké Hernández threw their arms in the air — a small but savvy play that resulted in Barger correctly being credited with a ground-rule double.
Perhaps that heads-up play by Dean made a positive impression on the Giants — and might be enough to keep Dean on a major league roster in 2026.
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