Imagine being a key player in a World Series-winning moment, not with a bat or a glove, but with pure baseball IQ! That's exactly what outfielder Dean brought to the table for the Dodgers. Now, he and left-handed pitcher Sanmartin are joining the San Francisco Giants, while right-handed pitcher Black has been designated for assignment (DFA'd). Let's break down what this all means.
Dean, at 28 years old, didn't see a ton of regular-season action with the Dodgers this year, appearing in just 18 games. But, his exceptional defensive skills and speed were undeniable, earning him a coveted spot on their postseason roster. Remember Game 6 of the World Series against the Blue Jays? That's where Dean's quick thinking became legendary. When Addison Barger's ninth-inning double got lodged in the center-field wall at Rogers Centre, Dean immediately signaled for a dead ball. You can relive the moment here: [https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-world-series-game-6-2025]
Dean's smart play prevented Toronto from scoring, ultimately allowing the Dodgers to force a Game 7 and secure their place in baseball history as the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Yankees' dominant run from 1998-2000. He didn’t record an at-bat during the playoffs, serving primarily as a late-inning defensive specialist, making 13 appearances. Prior to his call-up, he also showcased a strong offensive performance at Triple-A Oklahoma City, batting .289 with an .809 OPS, six home runs, and an impressive 27 stolen bases in 90 games.
Looking ahead, the Giants have Heliot Ramos and Jung Hoo Lee slated to start in the outfield. However, the right-handed-hitting Dean should have a legitimate shot to compete for playing time next year. He'll be vying for at-bats alongside other promising players like Drew Gilbert, Luis Matos, and Jerar Encarnacion. This could create some exciting competition in spring training! But here's where it gets controversial... some fans might argue that Dean's lack of consistent at-bats in the majors raises questions about his overall value. Is he truly a starting-caliber player, or more of a valuable role player?
Now, let's talk about Sanmartin. The 29-year-old Colombian left-hander has a 5.66 ERA over 62 appearances (including six starts) across four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. He didn't pitch in the big leagues in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2023. The road back from Tommy John is notoriously tough, and the fact that he even made it back to pitch in September is a testament to his dedication. On September 2nd, he made a single appearance against the Blue Jays, allowing one unearned run in 1 2/3 innings.
And this is the part most people miss... while that was his only MLB appearance of the year, Sanmartin actually had a very solid season at Triple-A Louisville. He posted a 2.67 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 67 1/3 innings in 46 appearances (two starts). The Giants are clearly prioritizing pitching depth this offseason, and Sanmartin provides another left-handed option for the bullpen. He'll join Erik Miller, Joey Lucchesi, and Matt Gage as lefties vying for a spot on the 40-man roster. Whether he can recapture his pre-injury form remains to be seen, but the Giants are giving him a chance.
Finally, let's address Black. The 25-year-old right-hander was a third-round Draft pick in 2021, so expectations were high. However, he struggled to a 6.47 ERA over 10 appearances (eight starts) for the Giants over the past two years. He also posted a 5.81 ERA over 30 outings at Triple-A Sacramento in 2024, transitioning to a bullpen role for his final five appearances. The Giants clearly felt he wasn't progressing as hoped, leading to the DFA. This is a tough situation for any young player, but it's a reminder that even highly touted prospects don't always pan out. It also begs the question: Is the Giants' player development system to blame, or was Black simply unable to adapt to the major league level?
So, what do you think about these moves, Giants fans? Are you excited about the potential of Dean and Sanmartin? Do you think the Giants made the right call in DFA'ing Black? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
