Full Breakdown
Dodgers Claim Outfielder Jack Suwinski Off Waivers from Pirates
2/21/2026, 10:13:47 PM
Overview of the Transaction
The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking a notable addition to their roster as Spring Training begins. Suwinski, 27, was designated for assignment by the Pirates to make room for veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the team.
Performance History
Suwinski's career has been marked by peaks and valleys. In 2023, he had a breakout season, hitting 26 home runs and achieving a .793 OPS across 144 games, contributing to a 2.1 bWAR. However, his performance significantly declined in the following two seasons. In 2024, he posted a .182 batting average and a .588 OPS over 88 games, followed by a dismal .147 average and .534 OPS in 2025, leading to his release from the Pirates.
Despite these struggles, Suwinski has demonstrated potential against the Dodgers, hitting five home runs in just 15 games with a .314 batting average and a 1.083 OPS.
Current Dodgers Outfield Landscape
The Dodgers' outfield currently includes notable players such as Kyle Tucker, Teoscar Hernández, and Andy Pages. Suwinski's addition adds depth, particularly as he competes for a bench spot against Alex Call, who can be optioned to the minors. Suwinski's left-handed batting may provide an advantage in this competition, especially given his historical performance against right-handed pitchers.
Official Statements & Responses
While the Dodgers have not publicly detailed their plans for Suwinski, analysts suggest that he may serve as a fourth outfielder or a lefty bat off the bench. The team will need to clear a spot on their 40-man roster to accommodate him, potentially involving a transfer of veteran utilityman Kiké Hernández to the 60-day injured list as he recovers from elbow surgery.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the move point to Suwinski's recent performance decline and question whether he can regain his 2023 form. His struggles at the plate and defensive metrics have raised concerns about his fit within the Dodgers' competitive roster.
What's Next
As the Dodgers prepare for their first official Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Angels, Suwinski's performance during the preseason will be closely monitored to determine his role in the upcoming season. The team's management will need to assess whether he can contribute effectively or if further adjustments to the roster will be necessary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s a lot of swing-and-miss to his game, but Suwinski still has high-end bat speed and elite plate discipline, ranking at the top of the league in both chase rate and walk rate.” — Source
- “It remains unclear how Suwinski will fit into the Dodgers’ plans.” — Source
- “Suwinski has above-average speed and can swipe a base if needed, but it’s not a major part of his game.” — Source
- “Suwinski is out of options, so the Dodgers will need to carry him on their roster or designate him for assignment, while Call has two remaining.” — Source
