Over the last few months, Pittsburgh Pirates fans have gotten a preview of the future. Due to injuries, prospects such as Calvin Mitchell, Yerry De Los Santos, and Jake Suwinski have gotten their first taste of the majors. While all three have had success, Suwinski has earned a starting role. The former 15th-round pick has provided a spark to the Pirates’ offense and surpassed expectations.
The Chicago native made his MLB debut on April 26 and hasn’t looked back. In 65 games, Suwinski has hit 14 home runs and recorded 23 extra-base hits. He has been a constant source of offense as his 25 runs batted in are tied for fourth-most on the team. With the season at its halfway point, Suwinski has been one of the best rookies in the majors and has shown that he can make adjustments.
After posting a .195 batting average in May, Suwinski’s average has steadily been on the rise. In June, he hit .250, and he has two multi-hits so far in July. Over the last two months, he has hit nine home runs and made history. On June 19, Suwinski became the second Pirates rookie to hit three home runs in a game. Andrew McCutchen is the only other player to accomplish the feat in franchise history.
Additionally, Suwinski leads all rookies in home runs. He is also in the top five runs with 23 and RBIs with 25. While he has flown under the radar, the 23-year-old has seized his opportunity. His .767 OBP is the tenth best by a Pirates player in their age 23 or younger season since 1980. For a Pirates team looking for stars, Suwinski has shown why he is a building block for the future.
Glad to see former Padres prospect Jack Suwinski hit his 14th 💣 of the year.
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) July 6, 2022
Suwinski is a Key Part of the Future
While the season is far from over, Suwinski’s impact cannot be ignored. He has shown a talent for coming through in the clutch and has been solid defensively. In 512 innings of play, the former 444th overall pick has only committed two errors. He also has four assists and 102 putouts so far on his resume. Whether it’s in the field or at the plate, he is making an impact on a nightly basis.
As the season winds down, the former Padre will be a player to keep an eye on. The Pirates will continue to give their prospects chances, and Suwinski is at the top of that list. He has shown that his power can change a game, and it will be desperately needed with an offense that struggles to score. If Suwinski can continue to make adjustments, then the Pirates outfield will be in good hands.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
