In a move that highlights the cutthroat nature of Major League Baseball roster management, the Los Angeles Dodgers have sent outfielder Jack Suwinski outright to the minors, removing him from their 40-man roster. This decision came after Suwinski cleared waivers on Monday, March 3, 2026, at 5:11 PM UTC, marking another chapter in the team's ongoing efforts to optimize their lineup. But here's where it gets interesting: Suwinski, who was claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates just two weeks prior on February 21, hadn't even stepped onto the field for a Cactus League game. Instead, he'd been honing his skills in simulated games at Camelback Ranch, including a notable session against Emmet Sheehan that was captured on video by Dodger Blue. And this is the part most people miss: despite his strong start with the Pirates in his first two seasons, Suwinski's performance dipped significantly in 2024-25, where he batted a combined .169/.271/.297 with a 59 wRC+ over 455 plate appearances, landing him below replacement level. With no options remaining, the Dodgers took a calculated risk by attempting to pass him through waivers, a strategy that has backfired for them recently with players like catcher Ben Rortvedt and infielder Andy Ibáñez, both of whom were claimed by other teams. The fact that Suwinski, a player with such a recent decline, even made it to the Dodgers—who currently hold the 26th waiver priority—underscores why he cleared waivers this time. Now, Suwinski remains within the organization as outfield depth, leaving the Dodgers with 39 players on their 40-man roster. While there's no immediate rush to fill that vacant spot, it does provide flexibility for future opportunities, such as re-acquiring Rortvedt or adding non-roster invitees like Santiago Espinal or Cole Irvin if they impress during spring training. But here's the controversial question: Is this a smart move by the Dodgers, or are they undervaluing Suwinski's potential for a rebound? Could he still turn things around and become a valuable asset, or is his recent performance a sign of things to come? Weigh in below—let’s hear your thoughts!
