Dodgers Claim Former Top Prospect Off Waivers

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jack Suwinski rounds the bases during 2025 game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again betting on upside over reputation.

The defending World Series champions claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding another intriguing reclamation project to an already deep roster.

Dodgers Betting on Jack Suwinski’s Power Upside

Suwinski, 27, showed real promise not long ago.

In 2023, the left-handed hitter blasted 26 home runs, stole 13 bases, and posted 2.1 WAR across 144 games, flashing the power-speed combination that made him a key piece in Pittsburgh’s lineup.

Across four MLB seasons, he owns a .199/.305/.389 slash line with 45 career home runs, supported by a strong 12.3% walk rate and hard-contact metrics that suggest there’s still untapped potential.

Sources: The Dodgers have claimed Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pirates.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 21, 2026

The last two seasons told a different story, however. Suwinski struggled to a combined .169 average with a 59 wRC+ from 2024–25, bouncing between the majors and Triple-A while dealing with injuries and consistency issues.

Still, he mashed in the minors with a 150 wRC+ last year, and the Dodgers believe small adjustments could help him rediscover his earlier form.

Roster Opportunity Opens After Injury Move

To create room on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles placed utility veteran Kike Hernandez on the 60-day injured list following offseason elbow surgery. The timing creates a potential opportunity for Suwinski, who is out of minor league options and must either make the Opening Day roster or be exposed to waivers again.

The Dodgers have claimed OF Jack Suwinski from the Pittsburgh Pirates. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred IF/OF Kiké Hernández to the 60-day injured list.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 21, 2026

The path won’t be easy. The Dodgers already feature an outfield group led by Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker, but early-season injuries to depth pieces like Hernandez and Tommy Edman have opened competition for bench and reserve roles.

Suwinski brings experience at all three outfield spots, including more than 1,500 career innings in center field, giving him a chance to carve out a role if his bat shows life this spring.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images