The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a strategic move by claiming outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This acquisition adds an intriguing layer to the Dodgers' roster as they gear up for the upcoming season.
Suwinski, now 27, has had an interesting journey in the majors. He showed promise during his 2023 season, belting 26 home runs over 144 games and posting a solid 2.1 WAR.
That year hinted at a potential breakout, but the past two seasons have been a different story. His offensive numbers dipped significantly, with a .182/.264/.324 slash line in 2024 and a further decline to .147/.281/.253 last year.
These struggles led to Suwinski being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis twice and dealing with a groin strain that landed him on the injured list.
Despite these challenges, Suwinski's overall MLB experience, with a .199/.305/.389 slash line in 397 games, suggests there's potential for a rebound. Originally drafted by the San Diego Padres, Suwinski was part of the trade that sent Adam Frazier to the Padres in 2021, marking the beginning of his stint with the Pirates.
The Dodgers' plan for Suwinski remains to be seen. With Alex Call currently the primary backup outfielder, Suwinski will need to carve out his niche.
Call, who posted a 112 OPS+ last season, offers flexibility as he can be optioned to the minors if needed. Meanwhile, the Dodgers' 40-man roster is at capacity, but a spot could be freed up with a 60-day injured list placement.
As the Dodgers prepare to face the Los Angeles Angels in their first official spring training game, the addition of Suwinski adds depth and potential upside to their outfield options. Fans will be eager to see how this move plays out as the season progresses.