The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a bold move, sending outfielder Jack Suwinski to the minor leagues, a decision that has raised some eyebrows. But why? After all, Suwinski was recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, so what's the story behind this move?
The Dodgers' Strategy: On March 3, 2026, the Dodgers removed Suwinski from their 40-man roster, a strategic move following his waiver clearance. Suwinski, who joined the Dodgers on February 21, hasn't featured in any Cactus League games but was training at Camelback Ranch. He even faced Emmet Sheehan in a simulated game, as seen in a video by Dodger Blue.
But here's the catch: Suwinski's performance in the last two seasons was underwhelming, batting at a combined .169/.271/.297 with a 59 wRC+ in 455 plate appearances. This is in stark contrast to his impressive start with the Pirates. With no options left, the Dodgers had to make a move.
The Waiver Gamble: Interestingly, the Dodgers attempted a similar roster gamble with catcher Ben Rortvedt and infielder Andy Ibáñez, but both were claimed by other teams. Suwinski's acquisition by the Dodgers, currently 26th in waiver priority, made it less surprising when he cleared waivers this time.
Now, Suwinski remains within the Dodgers organization, providing outfield depth. With 39 players left on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers have some flexibility. They can now easily accommodate players like Rortvedt, Santiago Espinal, or Cole Irvin if they prove their worth in the coming weeks.
And this is the part most people miss: while the move seems straightforward, it raises questions about the Dodgers' long-term plans for Suwinski. Is this a temporary setback, or is his future with the Dodgers uncertain? Only time will tell. What do you think the Dodgers should do with Suwinski? Share your thoughts in the comments!
