A Shockwave in Pittsburgh: Jack Suwinski Designated for Assignment!
It's a move that's sending ripples through the Pirates' fanbase: outfielder Jack Suwinski has been designated for assignment. This means the team is actively looking to move him, either through a trade or by placing him on waivers. But here's where it gets interesting: this decision is directly tied to making room on the 40-man roster for the newly acquired designated hitter, Marcell Ozuna.
What Does "Designated for Assignment" Actually Mean?
For those new to baseball lingo, designating a player for assignment (DFA) is essentially a way for a team to remove a player from its 40-man roster. It's a crucial step because teams have a strict limit on the number of players they can carry. Once a player is DFA'd, the team has a one-week window to either find another team willing to trade for the player or to pass him through waivers. If he clears waivers, he can be outrighted to the minor leagues or released. This creates a sense of urgency for the Pirates to figure out Suwinski's future.
A Rollercoaster Ride for Suwinski in Pittsburgh
Jack Suwinski, a 27-year-old outfielder, has been a part of the Pirates' big-league picture for the past four seasons. His journey with the club has been quite the story, marked by flashes of brilliance and periods of struggle. Remember last season? Suwinski started strong but hit a rough patch early on, finding himself back in Triple-A before April even ended. He bounced between the majors and minors multiple times, even dealing with a groin strain that sidelined him late in the year. Despite the ups and downs, he finished the season in the majors, but his stats reflected the challenges: a .147 batting average, .281 on-base percentage, and .253 slugging percentage over 59 games.
The Power Surge and the Strikeout Conundrum
When Suwinski first joined the Pirates in 2022, he brought a much-needed jolt of power to the lineup. In his rookie year, he blasted 19 home runs in just 372 plate appearances! That's impressive power for a rookie. However, this power came with a trade-off: a high 30.6% strikeout rate. While he also managed to walk at a decent clip, that strikeout number was a clear area for improvement. In 2023, Suwinski was given the chance to be a full-time player, appearing in 144 games as the team's primary center fielder. He upped his home run total to 26 and added 13 stolen bases, showcasing his speed and power combo. But the strikeout issue persisted, climbing even higher to over 32%.
Shifting Roles and Unfulfilled Potential?
By 2024, Suwinski found himself in a more of a part-time role, splitting time across all three outfield positions and hitting .182. This shift came after the team had moved Oneil Cruz to the outfield, leaving Suwinski without a clearly defined starting spot. While he absolutely dominated Triple-A pitching with a 150 wRC+ (meaning he was 50% better than the average Triple-A hitter), he struggled to translate that success to the major league level last year.
The Allure of Power and Speed
Despite the recent struggles, Suwinski's power and speed combination is still a tantalizing prospect for other teams. He was still barreling the ball at a nearly 12% rate in 2025, which indicates he still has the ability to hit the ball hard. However, his defensive metrics in center field are a concern, with a career -16 Defensive Runs Saved. He might be better suited for a corner outfield spot where he can be a more neutral defender.
And this is the part most people miss... Could Suwinski's struggles at the plate be a direct result of the team's constant shuffling of his role and defensive position? Or is his high strikeout rate simply an inherent part of his game that limits his overall effectiveness?
What are your thoughts on this move? Do you think another team will take a chance on Suwinski's power? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
