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Pittsburgh Pirates: Projecting 2022 for Protected Prospects

By Marty Leap

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 23: Jack Suwinski of San Diego Padres scores in the 7th inning during a friendly game between San Diego Padres and Diablos Rojos at Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. The game is held as part of the opening celebrations of the Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, now the newest in Mexico to play baseball. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 23: Jack Suwinski of San Diego Padres scores in the 7th inning during a friendly game between San Diego Padres and Diablos Rojos at Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. The game is held as part of the opening celebrations of the Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, now the newest in Mexico to play baseball. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 23: Jack Suwinski of San Diego Padres scores in the 7th inning during a friendly game between San Diego Padres and Diablos Rojos at Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. The game is held as part of the opening celebrations of the Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, now the newest in Mexico to play baseball. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 23: Jack Suwinski of San Diego Padres scores in the 7th inning during a friendly game between San Diego Padres and Diablos Rojos at Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. The game is held as part of the opening celebrations of the Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, now the newest in Mexico to play baseball. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

Outfielder Jack Suwinski

When the Pittsburgh Pirates traded second baseman Adam Frazier to the San Diego Padres this past July to main piece in the trade appeared to be utility man Tucupita Marcano. But of the three players Ben Cherington acquired outfielder Jack Suwinski may have the highest ceiling.

In 449 PAs at the Double-A level last season Suwinski flashed big power potential. He mashed 19 home runs to go with a 9% extra base hit rate. He hit for a .262/.383/.485 slash line to go with a wRC+ of 134 and an ISO of .223.

The big red flag for Suwinski was his strikeout rate. While he did draw walks at a 15.6% rate, he also struck out in 27.8% of his trips to the plate. Suwinski also flashed some sneaky athleticism with 11 stolen bases.

With his power potential and being close to the Major Leagues, had the Pittsburgh Pirates not protected Suwinski, he almost certainly would have been selected in the Rule 5 Draft. So, what does 2022 hold for him?

There is a good chance Suwinski starts the season at the Triple-A level. This should set Suwinski up to be in position to make his MLB debut at some point during the 2022 season, especially with the assumption that the National League will have the designated hitter. Look for Suwinski to make his MLB debut at some point next season.

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