Cubs Claim OF Justin Dean off Waivers

The opening segment of The Rundown theorized that the Cubs would add low-cost outfield depth next, and that’s exactly what happened when they claimed Justin Dean off waivers from the Giants. The 29-year-old debuted with the Dodgers in 2025, serving in a very limited running/defense role. He only got two plate appearances in 18 regular-season games and then made the postseason roster, playing in 13 games with no trips to the plate.

The Dodgers dropped him at the end of the season, at which point the Giants claimed him. They then DFA’d Dean to make room for Tyler Mahle, who is the only player named Tyler the Cubs haven’t signed yet. Dean may not even make it to spring training depending on what else the Cubs do, but they still have two open 40-man spots pending other moves.

This is typically the type of addition the Cubs like to make late in the season, getting a speed guy for situational deployment. Who knows, maybe Dean can stick around to provide an edge as needed or serve as an injury replacement.