Justin Dean Records First Major League Hit in Cubs Victory Over Blue Jays

Justin Dean recorded his first major league hit, a three-run triple in the seventh inning, as the Chicago Cubs routed the Toronto Blue Jays 16-2 at Wrigley Field. The 29-year-old outfielder's milestone moment came after spending eight years in minor league baseball and one season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he appeared in 18 regular-season games but was primarily used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.

Dean was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Friday morning after the Cubs optioned catcher Moises Ballesteros to manage their roster. Manager Craig Counsell had planned to use Dean in a specialized role as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. When the Cubs held an 11-2 lead in the seventh inning, Dean entered the game to replace center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Facing right-handed submariner Tyler Rogers, Dean sliced a center-cut sinker that traveled into the right field corner, allowing him to reach third base standing up with the bases loaded. The Wrigley Field crowd responded with a standing ovation when the milestone appeared on the ballpark's videoboards.

Dean's path to professional success proved lengthy and unconventional. The South Carolina native was originally selected by the Atlanta Braves as a 17th-round pick during the 2018 MLB Draft. Over his decade-long journey through minor league systems and Mexico, he accumulated 745 games and more than 3,000 plate appearances. Last season with the Dodgers, he appeared in 13 postseason games en route to a World Series championship, though he recorded no plate appearances. His World Series ring arrived in Iowa just as he departed for Chicago. In 56 games with Iowa this season, Dean posted a .369 on-base percentage, stole 14 bases in 15 attempts, and played all three outfield positions.

"I almost cried. We kept it inside, though. I've been waiting a long time for that. I'm super happy it came at this stadium, with this team and with these guys," Dean said following the game.

Dean acknowledged the emotional weight of the achievement, crediting his parents for providing the support system that sustained him through periods when he considered leaving baseball entirely. His performance at Iowa suggested he was beginning to break through offensively, batting .238 with eight doubles, two triples, and three home runs before his call-up. Fellow Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who had trained with Dean prior to this season, noted the perspective Dean brings from his championship experience with a World Series contender.