KBO’s LG Twins Extend Austin Dean

The LG Twins of the KBO announced a contract extension for first baseman Austin Dean this week. The two sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $2MM. Dean has been one of the top hitters in Korea since making the move in 2023. He’s hit .320 with 127 homers in four seasons with the Twins. He has 11 more long balls than the next-closest player in that span, which happens to be Si Hwan Roh, who was recently posted for MLB teams by the Hanwha Eagles. The 33-year-old Dean was drafted by the Marlins in the fourth round of the 2012 draft. He hit well in the minors, but didn’t debut with Miami until 2018. Dean posted a .656 OPS in parts of two seasons as a Marlin. He was dealt to the Cardinals in a minor trade before the 2020 campaign. After playing sparingly in the shortened season, Dean broke camp with the Cardinals in 2021. He saw minimal work off the bench and was sent down a month into the year. Dean was bumped off the roster at the end of the season and claimed by the Giants. He spent the majority of his time in San Francisco’s organization at Triple-A. Dean was a subpar outfielder in the majors, recording -15 Defensive Runs Saved in 96 games. He’s played almost exclusively first base and DH with the Twins. The power-hitting righty with limited defensive viability tends to be a tough roster fit in the majors. It might be difficult for Dean to find a gig if he tried to make a return to the majors. He seems content to keep mashing in Korea. Photo courtesy of Jeff Curry, Imagn Images View Comments (1)