The Chicago Cubs continued trimming their roster ahead of Opening Day, and one surprising move involved recent World Series champion Justin Dean. As teams across MLB finalize their 26-man squads, Chicago opted to send the newcomer to the minors despite his recent postseason experience.
The decision came as part of a broader round of roster adjustments. Chicago optioned three players to Triple-A Iowa and reassigned four others to minor-league camp, a routine but significant step as the club prepares for the start of the regular season.
According to the official team social media announcement on “X, Dean was among the players optioned. The 29-year-old outfielder was part of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship run just four months ago, serving primarily as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner during the postseason.
Why did the Cubs send Dean to Triple-A?
The decision largely came down to performance and roster competition. Justin Dean went 4-for-27 with a .480 OPS in spring training, numbers that made it difficult for the Chicago Cubs to justify a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Dean’s path to Chicago has also been unusual. The outfielder joined the Cubs in mid-January after being waived by the Dodgers, who had used him primarily as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner during their postseason run. Even with the demotion, Dean’s speed and defensive versatility could still make him a depth option for the Cubs later in the season.
SURVEY Will Justin Dean return to the Cubs’ MLB roster later this season?
Will Justin Dean return to the Cubs’ MLB roster later this season?
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