Dean began his professional career in 1922 with the Class-C Daytona Beach Islanders. He went 8–6 with 77 runs allowed in 19 games with the Islanders. Later that season, Dean played for the Class-AA Louisville Colonels of the American Association. In 11 games, Dean went 3–5 with a 4.88 ERA. The next season, Dean continued to play for the Colonels. He went 21–8 with a 3.27 ERA in 36 games that season. Dean ended the season fifth in the league in wins.\n', '

Dean was purchased by the New York Giants after being described by The New York Times as being the "most-sought-after young twirler in the minor leagues." Dean refused to sign a contract offered to him by the Giants in January of that year. In his major league debut, the Giants lost to the Washington Nationals three-to-two. On the season, Dean went 6–12 with a 5.01 ERA, and 39 strikeouts in 26 games, 20 starts. In 1925, Dean played his second season with the Giants. On June 12, Dean was injured after he was struck in the knee during batting practice before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field. Dean also struck out hall of famer Mel Ott in Ott\'s first major league at-bat. On the season, Dean went 10–7 with a 4.64 ERA, 1 save, and 53 strikeouts.\n', '

In January 1926, the Giants traded Dean to the Philadelphia Phillies along with Jack Bentley for Jimmy Ring. With the Phillies that season, Dean went 8–16 with a 4.91 ERA, and 52 strikeouts in 33 games, 26 starts. His 111 earned runs allowed led all pitchers in the National League. The next season, Dean again played for the Phillies. On May 26, 1927, Dean was suspended by Phillies manager Stuffy McInnis after Dean didn\'t report to the team for two days straight. With the Phillies that season, Dean went 0–1 in 2 games with 4 earned runs.\n', '

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