The Making of a Bench‑Ready Professional
Justin Dean arrives at the ballpark before sunrise, lacing his cleats and heading straight to the field for a regimen that has become his signature. Under the watchful eye of coach Quintin Berry, he works through a series of drills that blend classic fundamentals with modern technology.
Dean’s session begins with a mini‑glove and a custom‑colored outfielder’s mitt, tools that let him focus on the nuances of foot placement and backhand technique. He moves through a series of positions, ensuring each foot lands in a different spot before fielding the ball cleanly, a routine that mirrors the precision of a well‑rehearsed dance.
The outfielder also spends time on the Trajekt machine, a cage‑like setup that simulates facing live pitchers. By fine‑tuning his swing against this digital adversary, Dean has turned a handful of early‑season at‑bats into his first two career hits, a milestone that underscores the payoff of relentless preparation.
A Quiet Contributor in a Crowded Outfield
Although his role is limited on a Cubs roster packed with established talent, Dean’s dedication has earned him respect from teammates and managers alike. He was part of the 2025 Dodgers squad that captured a World Series title, even though he never stepped into the batter’s box during the championship run.
In 13 games for Los Angeles the previous October, he remained on the bench without a single plate appearance, a testament to the depth of the club. Across his brief major‑league tenure he has appeared in only 42 games, accumulating 10 career plate appearances, yet his presence in the clubhouse is felt during every defensive drill.
Dean’s journey began as a 17th‑round pick in 2018, a late bloomer who spent a decade grinding in the minors before finally earning a spot on a big‑league roster. Mentors such as Mookie Betts have impressed upon him the value of a structured daily plan, a lesson he now applies to every practice session.
The result is a player who stays ready for any defensive situation, even if it means stepping onto the field for only a few innings in a blowout. His preparation, bolstered by cutting‑edge technology and a disciplined routine, keeps him sharp both in the field and at the plate, ensuring that when his moment arrives, he will be prepared.