The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers, making the roster move public on Monday afternoon. This acquisition coincides with the Dodgers placing utilityman Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list after he underwent surgery in November to repair a torn muscle in his non-throwing arm, sidelining him for at least the first two months of the 2026 season.
Jack Suwinski’s Recent Performance and Roster Status
Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Dodgers claimed Suwinski following the Pittsburgh Pirates’ decision to designate him for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Marcell Ozuna. The 27-year-old outfielder has faced challenges in maintaining the momentum from his breakout 2023 season. Despite starting last year on the Pirates’ major league roster, Suwinski was relegated to Triple-A after April and split his time evenly with 59 major league games and 56 games in the minors. While he excelled in Triple-A with a 150 wRC+, his major league performance lagged at a 55 wRC+ over 178 plate appearances.
Team Changes Limit Suwinski’s Role with the Pirates
The Pirates have revamped their outfield depth this offseason by acquiring Jhostynxon Garcia, Jake Mangum, and signing free agent Ryan O’Hearn, whose presence at designated hitter further shrinks opportunities for Suwinski. These moves, combined with Suwinski’s recent struggles, diminished his chances of making the Pirates’ roster in 2026. The transition to the Dodgers presents him with a fresh opportunity to restore his value in a new environment.
Analysis of Suwinski’s Skills and Fit with the Dodgers
Although Suwinski displayed power and speed in his first full major league season by hitting 26 home runs and stealing 13 bases, his high strikeout rate—32% last season and over 30% in his rookie year—raises concerns about consistency. Known for a strong walk rate of 12.3%, Suwinski’s profile centers around the “three true outcomes” approach, but he has struggled to replicate the home run impact recently.
The Dodgers currently feature a solidified outfield core with Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker occupying regular roles. Pages, a right-handed batter, offers stronger production against left-handed pitching, hinting at possible platoon action, but his defensive skills make him an everyday fixture. Suwinski’s defensive liabilities, evidenced by a -16 Defensive Runs Saved rating as a center fielder, reduce his chances of securing a starting outfield position. Instead, his best path to the Dodgers’ roster might be competing with Alex Call for the fourth outfielder spot.
Implications of the Dodgers’ Roster Adjustment
This move allows the Dodgers to add depth in the outfield while managing injuries to key players like Enrique Hernandez. Suwinski’s acquisition offers potential upside as he looks to rebound from recent struggles and adjust to the Dodgers’ system. How quickly he recaptures his 2023 form will likely determine his impact and role with the team during the upcoming season.
Sources: The Dodgers have claimed Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pirates.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 21, 2026
