In a strategic move to maximize roster flexibility and the potential of their players, the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, just as spring training in Arizona is intensifying ahead of the start of the season.
Suwinski’s arrival in the Los Angeles organization comes after the Pirates designated him for assignment last Monday in order to clear a roster spot for veteran Marcell Ozuna.
The Dodgers, known for their ability to identify underlying tools in available players, wasted no time in adding him to their 40-man roster by opening a spot with Kiké Hernández, who is on the 60-day injured list while recovering from elbow surgery he underwent in November.
Jack Suwinski breakdown: Power and versatility
Jack Suwinski, 27, is a left-handed hitter who offers a blend of power and experience. In 2023 he generated high expectations when he hit 26 home runs, accumulating 45 home runs between 2022 and 2023 and becoming a strong offensive threat.
Defensively, Suwinski spent just over half of his time with the Pirates covering center field, although he also has experience in the corner outfield spots. According to the metrics, his greatest defensive value lies in center field.
Despite his potential, Suwinski arrives in Los Angeles following a slump in performance. Over the past two seasons (2024-2025), his production fell below replacement level. However, the Dodgers see him as a low-risk, high-reward gamble, trusting their development system to help him regain the form that made him a dangerous hitter a couple of years ago.
From a contractual standpoint, Suwinski is in a particular position:
- Salary: He avoided arbitration in November by signing a one-year, $1.25 million contract.
- Status: He is a “Super Two” player with 2 years and 170 days of Major League service time.
- Options: He has no minor league options remaining (used in 2022, 2024, and 2025), which forces the Dodgers to keep him on the Major League roster or expose him to waivers again if they wish to send him to the minors.
With Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández out for Opening Day, Suwinski will directly compete for a bench spot or a platoon role, strengthening the left-handed alignment of a team whose goal is to win the World Series again and, to do so, they are building the foundation.
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