Unheralded Padres Prospect Jack Suwinski is Swinging a Hot Bat
EVT Sports
Padres’ minor league outfielder Jack Suwinski is starting to find his swing with the Lake Elsinore Storm. The left-handed hitter is a quiet individual but goes about his work with diligence, and the results are starting to come.
When a system is crowded with minor league talent, it is very easy to overlook players.
Nick Margevicius, Pedro Avila, and even Franmil Reyes weren’t top-30 prospects upon their call-up to the major leagues. With so many prospects, it is natural that some do not garner the hype that others receive.
Jack Suwinski is a name that most fans wouldn’t know too much about. The Padres outfielder was drafted in the 15th round in 2016 out of a high school in the Chicago area. The soft-spoken, left-handed hitter carries a very big stick and has plenty of upside for a 20-year-old.
Last season, Suwinski started his second year in Fort Wayne very slow offensively. All that changed in August, as he put up a 1.069 OPS and a .383/.443/.626 slash line in 107 at-bats. He also slugged five home runs and drove in 25 runs during the month. “I just tried to be more consistent in putting the ball in play. Minor swing adjustments helped. Going from a leg kick into a small toe tap. That just made me feel more comfortable. More balanced. I can get better swings more consistently,” Suwinski told EVT. You cannot argue with the results. His month of August was a breakout of sorts for the outfielder.
He is currently playing well for the Lake Elsinore Storm, hitting .310 with four homers and 14 RBI in his first 16 games played. He has a great attitude and will keep advancing with his current mindset. “It is all about going about your business in the right way. Going out to the field every day and compete, while working hard. The ups and downs of a long season can get to you at some point. I am just learning every day,” Suwinski said. Playing in the Cal League at the age of 20 is no easy task. His maturity level is advanced.
There are a lot of valuable prospects in and around the system — a lot of outfielders. On the Storm roster alone, Tirso Ornelas, Jeisson Rosario, and Robbie Podorsky all require playing time. Manager Tony Tarasco has been able to juggle the outfield and utilize the DH, but there is competition for playing time. Suwinski had a veteran-type answer to the frustration of getting enough playing time. “I just come out here and just trying to be the best I can be,” Suwinski proclaimed. He realizes that the playing time will come in time, and he will get his chance to swing the bat.
Suwinski is all about being positive and keeping his emotions in check. He is stoic in the way he talks, but you see the pride the man has for his swing and the way he plays the game. “The more you are able to keep a good mentality and be positive. Be on top of all the things you can control. The better position you will be,” Suwinski said with a smirk. The left-handed outfielder should have no problems with the ups and down of the game. If he can keep his emotions in check, the results will always come with his plus bat.
The native of Chicago played in Fort Wayne the last two seasons. That area can be a culture shock for some players, but the Midwest native enjoyed his time there. “It was a lot of fun. The stadium. The fans. The staff over there. Everything is really great, and they take care of you really well. Playing in that league was fun,” Suwinski recalled. He spoke about some of the stadiums there and enjoyed having some family and friends in the stands.
Jack Suwinski is a doubles machine, hitting 37 in Fort Wayne over the last two years while slashing 11 triples as a TinCap. In that time, he slugged 19 homers, but most observe that the power is coming for this young man. Suwinski has a terrific build, standing 6-foot-2. He will surely grow in the coming years, and that is exciting for the Padres. “I am definitely growing stronger each year. I am not worried where my power level is at right now. I know as I get older, I will get stronger, and the power will come. My thoughts right now are to stay gap to gap,” Suwinski said. He is peppering the gaps presently and sneaking a few over the fence too. There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to his future.
In speaking to Suwinski, he left me with great lasting impressions. “I am looking to come out every day and be the best that I can be. I just want to help the team win. I want to be an unselfish player. Going out there and doing what is best for the team will help you in the long run,” Suwinski stated. You have to love when a prospect figures things out early. There is a long road still for Jack Suwinski, but he is well on his way in that journey.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.