Justin Dean Bio
Justin Emmanuel Dean (born December 6, 1996) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom he made his MLB debut in 2025. Dean is recognized for his speed and defensive skills, contributing to his teams in various capacities throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Justin Dean was born and raised in the United States. He attended Mauldin High School in South Carolina, where he developed a passion for baseball. Following high school, he played college baseball for the Lenoir–Rhyne Bears. During his college career, Dean showcased his talent and was named to the 2018 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region Second Team after an impressive season, hitting .398 with 59 runs scored and a .640 slugging percentage.
Path to Baseball
In 2018, Justin Dean was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 17th round of the MLB draft. He signed with the Braves for a $125,000 bonus and began his professional career playing in 60 games that season, split between the rookie-level Danville Braves and Single-A Rome Braves, where he achieved a .284 batting average. Dean continued to develop his skills in the Braves’ minor league system, playing for various teams and steadily improving his performance over the years.
Justin Dean Career
Early Career (2018-2024)
Justin Dean’s early career was marked by steady progress through the minor leagues. In 2019, he played for the Rome Braves, batting .284 with nine home runs and 46 runs batted in (RBI) while stealing 47 bases. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the 2020 minor league season, but Dean returned to the field in 2021, playing for the Double-A Mississippi Braves. He continued to hone his skills, stealing 29 bases that season. In 2022, he began the season in Triple-A with the Gwinnett Stripers but faced challenges, hitting .204 in 19 games before returning to Mississippi, where he finished the season strong with a .320 batting average in 75 games.
Breakthrough (2025)
Justin Dean’s breakthrough came in 2025 when he signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was invited to major league spring training and started the season with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets. Dean had a successful season, slashing .289/.378/.395 with six home runs and 33 RBI in 90 games. On August 8, 2025, he was promoted to the major leagues for the first time, making his MLB debut as a defensive replacement against the Toronto Blue Jays. Dean played in 18 games for the Dodgers, primarily as a late-game defensive replacement and pinch runner, contributing to the team’s success in the postseason.
Notable Works and Milestones
Justin Dean was part of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster during their 2025 World Series championship run, marking a significant milestone in his career. Although he had limited at-bats during the postseason, his contributions as a pinch runner and defensive replacement were crucial to the team’s success.
Justin Dean Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Justin Dean has achieved notable recognition, including being a World Series champion in 2025.
Justin Dean Awards Won
Justin Dean’s most significant achievement to date is winning the World Series championship in 2025 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This accomplishment highlights his contributions to the team and his growth as a professional athlete.