Noah Dean, the 25-year-old pitching prospect found a new home after being released from the Boston Red Sox.
According to multiple reports Tuesday, Dean signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. The move reunites the left-hander with Paul Toboni. The former Red Sox executive was named Washington’s general manager last October.
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Dean made one scoreless appearance last season for the Portland Sea Dogs, the Red Sox’s Double-A affiliate.
In 22 games (15 starts) last year for the advanced Class-A Greenville (S.C.) Drive, Dean went 2-6 with a 5.68 ERA. He struck out 81 batters in 63.1 innings, but also struggled with command, walking 48.
Another no-hit outing from Noah Dean!
The 23-year-old lefty struck out 7 in 5 IP, allowing 0 hits on the night. pic.twitter.com/fT3wI4uCsO
— Red Sox Player Development (@RedSoxPlayerDev) July 4, 2024
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The Old Dominion fifth-round pick was not on the Red Sox’s 40-man roster during his release. He did not appear in any Grapefruit League contests with Boston in 2026.
Dean improved his prospect stock with a strong 2024 season. In 15 games (13 starts) with Class-A Salem, Dean posted a 3.96 ERA, and struck out 86 batters in 61.1 innings while walking 31. He allowed only 28 hits.
Red Sox pitching prospect Noah Dean finished 2nd in all of High-A yesterday with 15 swings and misses.
Dean has struck out 28 batters over 15.1 IP for Greenville this year, which is good for a 16.4 K/9. Intriguing LHP with a career 13.1 K/9 in minors for Boston. pic.twitter.com/d4ksm0jWLP
— Andrew Parker (@ByAndrewParker) May 9, 2025
On June 9, 2024, Dean was named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week.
That earned Dean a midseason promotion to Greenville. Though he struggled overall (6.38 ERA) in 18.1 innings, he also struck out 30 batters.
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The Red Sox ostensibly grew impatient with Dean’s command catching up with his high-strikeout potential — a risk the rebuilding Nationals are willing to take.
Dean pitched out of the bullpen in college, recording 18 saves in 42 appearances across three seasons at Old Dominion. In its scouting report of Dean, Baseball America noted his stuff was “fearsome.” This still manifested in 2025 (34.5 percent whiff rate in advanced Class-A) despite his struggles.
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If he reports to Double-A with the Nationals, Dean could made his 2026 debut soon. The Harrisburg Senators open their regular season schedule April 2.