Bold claim: this is the moment where Jack Suwinski’s era with the Pirates could be ending, and the next chapter is full of uncertainty. But here’s the twist you didn’t see coming: the Pirates are actively reshaping their roster, which could keep Suwinski in Pittsburgh for another season—or move him elsewhere.
Overview: a long but shaky collaboration
Pittsburgh and Suwinski have been linked for nearly five years. The latest move came on February 16, when the Pirates designated him for assignment to clear a 40-man spot for new designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
A quick recall of how they got here
Suwinski joined the Pirates on July 26, 2021, after Pittsburgh traded Adam Frazier to the San Diego Padres in a package that also included Tucupita Marcano and right-hander Michel Miliano. With that trade, Suwinski became part of a rebuilding effort that looked promising at first, then hit some bumps as the team recalibrated for the present and future.
What’s next for Suwinski and the Pirates
Following the DFA, the Pirates have seven days (until February 23) to decide their next move. They can trade Suwinski or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers. If another club claims him, Suwinski would join that team’s 40-man roster.
If he clears outright waivers, the Pirates could outright him to the minor leagues, specifically Triple-A Indianapolis. Here’s how the timing and rules shake out:
- Five-plus years of service time: players can reject an outright assignment to the minor leagues.
- Three-plus years of service time, or prior outright experiences: players can also reject and pursue free agency.
- Unconditional release waivers: if cleared, Suwinski would be released outright.
What about Super Two status? Suwinski falls into the Super Two category, meaning he has between two and three years of service with certain criteria. In practice, this status allows him to elect free agency, but it doesn’t guarantee termination pay because he doesn’t have five years of service time.
Contract context and current timeline
Earlier, the Pirates signed Suwinski to a one-year, $1.25 million deal on November 18, preventing arbitration for the upcoming season. If he elects free agency, that $1.25 million would not be guaranteed to him.
Prediction in context: the likely outcome
All signs point to either a trade or Suwinski clearing waivers and ending up outrighted to Indianapolis. Either path would mark a significant shift in his Pirates arc after a four-year stretch of varied performance.
A quick recap of Suwinski’s Pirates run
- Debut season (2022): .202/.298/.411 with a .709 OPS, 19 homers (second on the team).
- Breakout year (2023): led the Pirates with 26 homers, posted .224/.339/.454 for a .793 OPS in 144 games, 100 hits, 21 doubles, 2 triples, 74 RBI, 75 walks, 172 strikeouts.
- Decline (2024): .182/.264/.324, .588 OPS in 88 games, 45 hits in 247 at-bats, 8 doubles, 9 homers, 26 RBI, 27 walks, 79 strikeouts, leading to two demotions.
- Early 2025: .147/.281/.253 across 59 games in two MLB stints, 22 hits in 150 at-bats, 7 doubles, 3 homers, 10 RBI, 24 walks, 57 strikeouts, and a move back to the minors after Opening Day.
Overall line with the Pirates (through four seasons): .199/.305/.389, OPS .694 in 397 games, 233 hits, 47 doubles, 57 homers, 148 RBI, 167 walks, and 422 strikeouts.
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Note: If you’d like, I can tailor a follow-up summary emphasizing potential destinations for Suwinski or break down how his service time and waiver options could influence the Pirates’ strategic decisions.
