The Chicago Cubs quietly made a waiver claim this week, adding a postseason-tested outfielder whose glove and speed could matter for a contending club.
The Chicago Cubs quietly made another addition to their 40-man roster on Tuesday evening.
Chicago claimed World Series champion Justin Dean, a defensive specialist who carved out a role on one of the best teams in baseball just months ago.
Dean, a former 17th-round pick by the Atlanta Braves, took the long road to the majors. He finally put it all together in 2025 while playing in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization—earning a roster spot on a loaded club built for October.
During August and September, Dean appeared in 18 games for the Dodgers and somehow logged just two at-bats.
That usage is reminiscent of Terrance Gore, the famed baserunning specialist who became a staple of playoff rosters in the 2010s. Gore played 63 games between the Kansas City Royals and Cubs from 2014–2018, yet recorded just one hit in 16 career at-bats.
That lone hit came with the Cubs in 2018.
And still, Gore won two World Series rings and proved invaluable in high-leverage moments. That’s the blueprint.
The Dodgers saw similar value in Dean late in the season, keeping him on their postseason roster as a late-inning defensive replacement. He appeared in 13 playoff games, including Game 6 and Game 7 of the World Series.
Roster math eventually caught up with him. Amid the usual offseason crunch, Los Angeles designated Dean for assignment in November. He was quickly claimed by the San Francisco Giants, but didn’t last the full winter in the Bay before being DFA’d again—opening the door for Chicago.
And honestly? This is a sharp move by the Cubs’ front office.
The Cubs have plenty of flexibility on the 40-man roster. Even after recent additions, they sit at 38 spots used. There’s room to maneuver—and this is a team that expects to be playing meaningful baseball in September and October.
Chicago should be in the mix for the division and potentially more. While the Cubs are a strong defensive club overall, there’s still some uncertainty in the outfield. The final bench outfield role remains unsettled, and even if Dean’s primary value comes as a late-inning replacement for Seiya Suzuki in right field during critical moments, that matters.
Those are the margins that decide seasons.
Dean brings speed, elite defense, and a calm presence in big spots—traits that don’t always show up in box scores but absolutely show up in October.
He’s also easy to root for. A Division II college player. A 17th-round pick. Years spent grinding through the minors just to get a chance. That kind of path earns respect in any clubhouse.
Welcome to Chicago, Justin Dean.