Jack Suwinski's toolsy start shows why he should be the Pirates leadoff hitter

The Pittsburgh Pirates' offense has been underwhelming since the 2025 season began, but there are still a lot of games left. A key part of having success is putting players in the right spot in the batting order, and the Pirates may have a new leadoff guy moving forward in Jack Suwinski.

The bounce-back candidate outfielder has displayed some big-time tools in his start to the season, which could aid him in the top spot of the order.

Jack Suwinski has all the tools to be the Pirates' leadoff hitter

He did in fact lead off against the Rays and went 0-for-4, but there is a lot of reason to believe this spot in the order makes sense for him. First off is his plate discipline that he has shown his entire career. Despite his .158 average through 21 at-bats, he is not chasing pitches out of the zone (18.9% rate) and still is walking at an above average clip (11.8%).

Suwinski knows his strike zone well and that is an important trait for a leadoff hitter. Additionally, he hits the ball very hard, and with Isiah Kiner-Falefa showing great signs at the nine hole this puts Pittsburgh in a good position to generate runs with Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz following the leadoff man.

Another key thing about his power upside that he brings is his exceptionally high barrel rates to start the year. Right now, it sits at 22.2%, which won't remain that high, but if he continues to collect barrels then it's clear he has a penchant for making hard contract. In 2023, his barrel rate was in the 94th percentile at 15.7%, which is really great and something he needs to get back to. His bat speed has also been above average at 73.5 mph. That can aid him in hard contact and is a big piece to his game.

If Suwinski can return to his 2023 form, the Pirates will be looking much better. That .793 OPS with 26 home runs and a 14% walk rate would really help Pittsburgh in the leadoff spot. His statcast metrics and solid spring are showing he may be returning to form, which would be just what the Pirates needed to get back on track after a horrible 2024.