Dodgers Claim Jack Suwinski Off Waivers Ahead of 2026 Season

The Dodgers have claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This move shakes up Los Angeles’ outfield depth and sets off a chain of roster incentives for both clubs.

Suwinski, 27, landed in the spotlight after Pittsburgh designated him for assignment to make room for Marcell Ozuna. Suddenly, Suwinski shifts from being a high-risk, high-reward breakout candidate to a potential depth piece for a Dodgers squad that values versatility, power, and a lefty bat in pinch-hit or platoon spots.

Context and roster dynamics surrounding the waiver claim

The Pirates let Suwinski go to clear a 40-man slot for Marcell Ozuna, aiming for a veteran DH presence in Pittsburgh. Suwinski’s recent track record tells a story of a dramatic high followed by a pretty sharp downturn and an unsettled 2024 season.

His triple-A numbers flashed power and speed, but his Major League production dropped to a 55 wRC+ in 178 plate appearances last year. Now, in Los Angeles, Suwinski faces different expectations, especially with the Dodgers’ already crowded outfield.

Offensive profile and three true outcomes

Three true outcomes pretty much sum up Suwinski’s style: power, speed, and a fair bit of swing-and-miss.

• Power-speed combo: Suwinski hit 26 homers and swiped 13 bases in 2023, showing a rare mix that can change a game with one swing or a late stolen base.
• High strikeout rate: He struck out 32% of the time in 2023 and about 30.6% as a rookie, so he’s got a ceiling that needs the right matchups and some lineup support to really shine.
• Walk rate steady: Even with all those strikeouts, his 12.3% walk rate shows he’s willing to work counts and draw walks when he connects.
• Triple-A excellence: In the minors, he crushed pitching with a 150 wRC+, hinting that he’s often at his best outside the big leagues, where timing and pitch selection sometimes come a bit easier.

Defensive limitations and positional fit

• Defensive Runs Saved: Suwinski’s had a rough go defensively, posting a -16 DRS in center field. That number really makes him more of a corner-outfield or platoon guy than a full-time center fielder.
• Positionary fit: With the Dodgers’ outfield already set at the top, Suwinski’s most likely path is as a depth piece who can platoon or fill in during injuries, not as an everyday starter in center.

What this means for the Dodgers’ outfield and roster construction

Los Angeles seems to view Suwinski as a depth guy who can help in left or right field against right-handed pitching. Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker are still the mainstays in the outfield.

Suwinski might give the Dodgers a flexible bench option, especially in games where they want a lefty bat or some speed late. The Dodgers placed Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list to open up the roster spot for Suwinski, so there’s room to tinker as they figure out how he fits.

Why the Pirates made the move and what Ozuna’s arrival signals

To clear a 40-man slot for Ozuna, Pittsburgh moved away from Suwinski. They leaned into younger depth and wanted more roster flexibility.

The Pirates’ offseason brought in players like Jhostynxon Garcia and Jake Mangum. With Ozuna now anchoring the DH spot, it made more sense to designate Suwinski for assignment.

The front office focused on data-driven roster construction. They tried to balance upside with positional needs, plus the real cost of keeping a player with a shaky glove and power that comes and goes.

The Dodgers now get a power-speed threat in Suwinski, but he comes with some obvious questions. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is reshaping its 40-man roster and long-term mix around Ozuna and the new guys coming in.

For Dodgers fans, it’s fair to wonder if Suwinski can actually stick in a loaded outfield. Can his all-or-nothing approach turn into real, steady value in 2025 and after? That’s anyone’s guess.

 
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