The Pittsburgh Pirates release Jack Suwinski and have now officially moved on from former 26-homer outfielder Jack Suwinski, designating him for assignment in a decisive roster move that signals a clear shift in direction for the franchise.
According to reports from Robert Murray of FanSided, the Pirates release Jack Suwinski after four seasons in the organization, ending a tenure that once showed significant promise but ultimately unraveled due to steep regression at the Major League level.
The decision comes as Pittsburgh reshapes its roster following offseason additions that include Ryan O’Hearn, Marcell Ozuna and Brandon Lowe, moves that have already altered the complexion of the Pirates lineup heading into 2026.
Pirates Release Jack Suwinski After Sharp Offensive Decline
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When the Pirates release Jack Suwinski, it closes the chapter on a player who once appeared to be part of the club’s long-term plans.
Suwinski, 27, delivered his breakout campaign in 2023, launching 26 home runs while posting a .224 batting average and a .793 OPS. He accumulated 2.1 bWAR that season, establishing himself as a legitimate power threat in Pittsburgh’s outfield rotation.
That performance followed a respectable rookie showing in 2022, when he hit 19 home runs with a .709 OPS and produced 1.3 bWAR. While his strikeout rate was a concern, the power upside justified patience.
However, the regression that followed proved surprising as it is damaging.
In 2024, Suwinski’s production collapsed. Across 88 games, he hit just .182 with nine home runs and a .588 OPS. His -1.7 bWAR reflected the severity of the downturn, and he failed to hold a consistent role as the Pirates searched for stability.
The downward spiral continued into 2025. In 53 Major League games, Suwinski posted a .147 batting average, a .534 OPS and just three home runs. His -0.3 bWAR confirmed that the struggles were no longer a short-term slump but an extended trend.
When the Pirates release Jack Suwinski, it is not based on a single poor stretch but on two consecutive seasons of alarming offensive regression at the highest level.
Minor League Production Not Enough to Save Roster Spot
While Suwinski showed signs of life in Triple-A during 2025, hitting .283 with a strong .954 OPS in 56 games, the Pirates clearly weighed his Major League track record more heavily.
For a team attempting to compete and stabilize its lineup, roster flexibility matters. The Pirates’ recent additions increased outfield and corner depth, effectively squeezing Suwinski out of a viable path back to everyday playing time.
Designating him for assignment opens a 40-man roster spot and allows Pittsburgh to continue reshaping its bench and depth chart without carrying a player who has struggled to adjust back to big-league pitching.
What the Move Means for the Pirates and Suwinski
The Pirates release Jack Suwinski at a time when the organization appears committed to retooling rather than rebuilding. Adding established hitters this winter suggests a desire for immediate offensive improvement.
Suwinski’s power remains intriguing, and at 27 years old, he is not beyond reclamation. Another club may view him as a change-of-scenery candidate, particularly given his Triple-A performance and past 26-homer campaign.
However, the harsh reality is that sustained Major League struggles, including declining contact rates and reduced offensive impact, forced Pittsburgh’s hand.
The Pirates release Jack Suwinski after back-to-back disappointing seasons, choosing roster certainty over continued projection. Sadly, the next opportunity for suwinski will determine whether his 2023 breakout was a genuine indicator of long-term potential or merely a high-water mark in an otherwise inconsistent career.
Nothing has been confirmed yet regarding Jack Suwinski’s next career destination following his brutal and abrupt release today, as reports continue to indicate he is now being DFA’d and stands a chance to join any team for the 2026 campaign. The Pirates on their end are only happy to be finally moving on from the former 26-homer.
