In a move that highlights the cutthroat nature of Major League Baseball roster management, the Dodgers have sent outfielder Jack Suwinski outright to the minors, removing him from their 40-man roster. But here’s where it gets controversial: after being claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates just weeks ago, Suwinski’s journey with the Dodgers has already hit a roadblock. As of March 3, 2026, at 5:11 PM UTC, the team has decided to part ways with him—at least for now—after he cleared waivers.
Suwinski, who joined the Dodgers on February 21, hadn’t yet made his Cactus League debut but had been putting in work at Camelback Ranch. Notably, he was part of a group of hitters who faced Emmet Sheehan in a simulated game, a moment captured on video by Dodger Blue. Yet, despite this effort, his performance over the past two seasons likely sealed his fate. After a strong start with the Pirates, Suwinski’s numbers plummeted to a combined .169/.271/.297 with a 59 wRC+ in 455 plate appearances during 2024-25, well below replacement level. With no options remaining, the Dodgers took a calculated risk by trying to sneak him through waivers—a strategy that’s become increasingly common but rarely successful.
And this is the part most people miss: the Dodgers’ waiver priority, currently 26th based on last year’s record, made it unlikely Suwinski would slip through unnoticed. This isn’t the first time the team has attempted such a roster gambit; both catcher Ben Rortvedt and infielder Andy Ibáñez were claimed off waivers earlier this offseason, proving how risky this strategy can be.
Now, Suwinski remains in the Dodgers organization as outfield depth, leaving 39 players on the 40-man roster. While there’s no immediate rush to fill that vacant spot, it does provide flexibility for future moves. For instance, if Rortvedt becomes available again or if non-roster invitees like Santiago Espinal or Cole Irvin impress during spring training, the Dodgers will have room to act.
But here’s the thought-provoking question: Is this waiver strategy sustainable, or are teams like the Dodgers playing a losing game by continually testing the system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Suwinski’s demotion was justified, or is this just another example of the harsh realities of MLB roster management?
