Justin Dean: A Crucial Contributor for the Dodgers — Even Without an At-Bat

The 2025 MLB postseason has witnessed plenty of unforgettable moments and legendary performances, but not all of the players contributing to their team’s success are making headlines. Take Justin Dean, for instance. While Shohei Ohtani has dominated the spotlight for the Los Angeles Dodgers with his two-way prowess, Dean’s postseason contributions are far more subtle—but no less significant.

Dean, a speedy outfielder, has yet to take an official at-bat this postseason. Despite this, he has played in all 10 of the Dodgers’ playoff games up to this point. While he hasn’t swung a bat in anger, his role has been indispensable in helping the team navigate through tight games and critical situations. As a pinch runner and defensive replacement, Dean’s presence on the field has helped fill the gaps in ways that might not be immediately visible to the casual observer. However, to the Dodgers coaching staff and his teammates, his contributions have been integral to the team’s continued success.

Breaking Records Without an At-Bat

It’s not often that a player gets to make history without stepping up to the plate. Dean, however, has accomplished just that. By playing in all 10 of the Dodgers’ postseason games without making a plate appearance, Dean has set a new MLB record. No player in Major League Baseball history had ever participated in 10 postseason games without registering a at-bat before him.

For context, in 1996, former New York Yankees player Andy Fox shared a similar record by playing in eight postseason games without a plate appearance. While Fox’s achievement was noteworthy at the time, Dean has taken it a step further with his 10-game mark, an accomplishment that is bound to be remembered in the annals of baseball history.

Dean’s Role: Pinch-Runner and Defensive Replacement

In many ways, Dean’s role on the Dodgers is akin to a specialist—but one who doesn’t see the spotlight in the traditional sense. Instead of being called upon to drive in runs or pitch innings, his value lies in his speed and defensive versatility. As a pinch-runner, Dean is often inserted into the game when his team needs a boost in the speed department, especially in the later innings when the Dodgers are looking to take advantage of scoring opportunities.

Dean’s ability to steal bases or stretch a single into a double provides the Dodgers with a strategic edge when trying to manufacture runs, especially in tight postseason games where every base runner matters. With his lightning-fast legs and innate understanding of when to make aggressive moves on the basepaths, Dean offers a unique tool for manager Dave Roberts to leverage.

In addition to his speed, Dean has also served as a defensive replacement in the outfield. While the Dodgers are already filled with strong fielders, Dean’s presence in late-game situations provides a safety net for the team, particularly in games where they are looking to preserve a lead. Whether it’s as a late-inning substitution for a tired outfielder or a potential game-saving move on the basepaths, Dean’s contributions, while understated, have been crucial.

The Unsung Heroes of Baseball: More Than Just 26 Guys

Dean’s role in the Dodgers’ playoff run highlights an often-overlooked aspect of team sports: the importance of every player on the roster, regardless of their direct involvement in offensive production. In baseball, it’s easy to focus on the big names—the players who hit home runs or record strikeouts—but every member of the team has a role to play. Sometimes that role may not show up in the box score, but it can still have a massive impact on the outcome of a game.

Andy Fox, who briefly shared the record with Dean in 1996, weighed in on the significance of such roles. Fox, now managing the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Double-A affiliate, believes that players like Dean deserve recognition for their contributions, even if they don’t appear in the highlight reels.

“It actually takes more than 26 guys to win, right?” said Fox. “This isn’t just ‘we have to fill out the roster so you’re on it.’ You have a part here and you could do something just as important as Ohtani at some point.”

The team dynamic in baseball relies on every player stepping up when needed, whether they’re making the key hit or executing a crucial defensive play. While Dean’s name might not be on the scorecard in a prominent way, his contributions are felt by his teammates every time he enters the game.

The Dodgers’ Depth and Championship Aspirations

As the Dodgers move closer to the 2025 World Series, the contributions of players like Dean become even more vital. In a postseason that is full of high-pressure situations, the ability to tap into the deep bench and bring in a player who can make an impact without the need for an at-bat is a testament to the team’s overall depth.

Manager Dave Roberts has made a career of effectively utilizing his roster, often pulling off strategic moves that are designed to keep the team fresh and maintain an edge over their opponents. With players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani anchoring the Dodgers’ offensive and pitching core, it’s easy to forget that Justin Dean’s role plays an important part in the team’s championship aspirations.

Roberts has long been a fan of using his full roster, making sure that players who may not be starters still feel valued and prepared for their moments. Dean’s inclusion in every postseason game has not only showcased his value to the team but also illustrated Roberts’ philosophy of team-first mentality.

The Unsung Value of Role Players in a Championship Team

As the Dodgers continue their postseason journey, role players like Justin Dean will continue to be crucial, even though their contributions may not be immediately visible. Whether it’s as a pinch-runner in a critical situation or a defensive replacement when the game is on the line, Dean represents the heart and soul of every championship team: the players who don’t always receive the accolades but are just as critical to the team’s success.

In the case of the Dodgers, it’s not just about their stars—it’s about a unified team effort. And for Justin Dean, while his history-making achievement of playing 10 postseason games without an at-bat might seem insignificant to some, it’s a reminder that every player on the roster has the potential to make a difference when the stakes are high.

What’s Next for Justin Dean?

If Dean is named to the Dodgers’ 26-man roster for the World Series, his role could expand, especially if the team needs a strategic pinch-runner or defensive replacement late in games. As the team heads into the Fall Classic, his importance may grow even further in helping the Dodgers win their next World Series title.

Though he may not be hitting home runs or collecting RBIs, Justin Dean’s contributions have been a critical part of the Dodgers’ deep playoff run in 2025. His ability to stay ready and take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way is a testament to his professionalism and dedication to his team.