Pirates' Jack Suwinski asking for position change might've cued red hot spring start

2024 was not pretty for Jack Suwinski, as he started the season in center field for Pittsburgh, but ended up in Indianapolis. It was a total collapse, and he knows coming into 2025 that no spot is guaranteed now, even with a clear role available to him. That has likely helped motivate him to his hot start in spring training, which he desperately needed if he intends to return to the Pirates' roster.

Knowing that the starting outfield is basically finalized at this point, Suwinski has begun focusing beyond that. After the Spencer Horwitz injury, Suwinski began taking reps at first base, trying to add value to his name to aid him in getting back to the big leagues.

"Shelton said there’s a chance he could see time there this spring," Kevin Gorman of Trib Live wrote. "If Suwinski proves he can play all three outfield positions and slide over to first base when needed, especially while Spencer Horwitz is recovering from wrist surgery, it could help him make the Opening Day roster."

Since his defense was not great in the outfield, with -22 DRS and -3 OAA in his career across all three spots, first base is like a second chance for him. For that reason, this idea is helping Suwinski resurrect his career, which could be a factor in his red hot start to spring training. After all, it wasn't the coaching staff that suggested the move, but Suwinski himself, who approached bench coach Don Kelly at PiratesFest about expanding his offering.

So far, Suwinski knocked four hits, including a home run and a double, while driving in four runs and stealing two bases. Importantly, he's evened up his strikeout-to-walk ratio with two walks and two strikeouts. He has always struggled with striking out, but has walked successfully at the same time this spring.

He desperately needs to drop the strikeouts, especially since even during his slump of 2024, he still put up a decent barrel rate of 8.8%. In 2023, it reached 15.7%. He needs to make contact with the ball more consistently for his tools to shine.

Jack Suwinski's confidence to work at first base could be helping him with his hot start this spring for Pirates.

If Matt Hague can keep him making contact with the ball, then he can return to the 2023 form where he belted 26 home runs and produced a wRC+ of 112. Pittsburgh has some loyalty to him, and we are all hoping this spring helps him return to where he was.