SF Giants claim unsung Dodgers World Series hero in latest 40-man roster shuffle

The SF Giants made some roster moves on Thursday and one of them was to claim outfielder Justin Dean off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dean's heads up play in Game 6 of the World Series may have saved LA's championship hopes.

Dean came into Game 6 as a defensive replacement in center field and threw his hands up in the air as the ball got wedged in between the fence and the dirt in the outfield on a double by the Toronto Blue Jays which meant it was a ground-rule double and the runner from first was not able to score.

SF Giants claim Dodgers outfielder who helped them win the World Series

Even though Toronto had runners on second and third with no outs, they were unable to score as the Dodgers got out of the inning to win Game 6 and force a Game 7 that ended up going their way as well.

Dean was a villain for Giants fans just a week ago, but now they may find themselves cheering for him in 2026.

The soon to be 29-year-old Dean made his big league debut with the Dodgers in 2025. He had just two plate appearances in 18 games and did not record a hit although he did record a stolen base as he mostly came in either as a pinch-runner or a defensive replacement.

He had 27 stolen bases in Triple-A in 2025 so he clearly has some speed. His offensive numbers were not terrible either in 2025 in Triple-A as he slashed .289/.378/.431 with six home runs and 33 runs batted in.

He could be an interesting depth piece for the Giants next season if they need to call upon him for depth in the outfield. His speed is definitely a plus and could give the Giants a pinch runner option in the later innings or he could serve as a defensive replacement for Heliot Ramos.

The other roster moves the Giants made were to designate pitcher Mason Black for assignment and claim pitcher Reiver Sanmartin off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. Black showed promise at times with the Giants, but he did not do enough with his big league opportunities to warrant a roster spot.

These minor moves may not be all that exciting, but if Dean's small role in the World Series shows anything it is that even the smallest of moves can have a big ripple effect later on and can even result in winning a championship.