Track Record: The Marlins drafted Dean, a Texas high school infielder, with their fourth-round pick in 2012 and then watched his slow ascent through the minors finally pay off with his major league debut this past August. After advancing one level per year until 2016, Dean stalled in Double-A for two years and opened 2018 there, as well. A hot start pushed him to Triple-A, where he played 87 games before spending the final month and a half of the major league season in Miami.
Scouting Report: Typically limited to left field because of his fringe-average foot speed and average arm strength, Dean has improved enough defensively to the point that he should be considered an average defensive left fielder for now. After two stagnant years in Double-A, Dean had a breakout season in 2018, showcasing a mature approach and consistent contact at both Double-A and Triple-A. Dean has the strength and bat speed to produce plus raw power, and he hit a career-high 16 home runs in 2018.
The Future: Dean will enter spring training with a chance to earn the Marlins' everyday left field job. If he doesn't win the competition, he could continue serving as a bench bat for the Marlins.
