Justin Dean Outrighted by Dodgers, Claimed by Giants After World Series Heroics

Outfielder Justin Dean was outrighted by the Los Angeles Dodgers to clear a 40-man roster spot, just one week after his heads-up play helped save Game 6 of the 2025 World Series. Dean was subsequently claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants, moving him to an NL West rival. During Game 6, Dean, a dedicated pinch-runner and defensive specialist, signaled a ground-rule double when a fly ball from Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger became wedged under the outfield padding, preventing a potential game-tying inside-the-park homer. This controversial but rules-compliant play, for which Dean credited Kiké Hernández's guidance, was significant in the Dodgers' series victory. A former 17th-round pick who spent years in the Atlanta Braves' minor-league system, Dean signed with the Dodgers last offseason and earned a World Series ring despite still awaiting his first major-league hit. The Giants' claim suggests they see more potential in him than the Dodgers, who viewed him primarily as a specialist.