Rays Acquire Jack Suwinski in Final MLB Trade Deadline Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays sneaked in one final trade before the deadline passed on Monday. 

The team sent catcher Hunter Fuduccia to the Los Angeles Dodgers for outfielder Jack Suwinski. The trade comes after the Rays acquired another catcher in Miami Marlins' Liam Hicks earlier this afternoon. The trade also involved right-handed pitcher Jacob Kmatz, sent to Los Angeles. The Dodgers will also send the Rays international bonus pool money. 

Suwinski has played at the major league level but has not surpassed Triple-A in 2026. While with Oklahoma City, the minor league affiliate of the Dodgers, Suwinski hit a .291 batting average, as well as a .948 OPS. He has recorded 21 home runs and 72 RBIs so far this season.  

Like his role on the Dodgers, he may very well be a depth piece for the Rays heading into the second half of the season. Players such as Cedric Mullins and Chandler Simpson have stepped up their production after having questionable starts to the 2026 season. The Rays organization already possesses talent in the outfield ranks that are MLB-ready, such as outfielder Jacob Melton. 

As for Fuduccia, He will head back to the Los Angeles Dodgers after being traded to the Rays last year at the trade deadline. The former LSU Tiger was drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th round of the 2018 MLB draft. In 2026, for the Rays, Fuduccia hit a .234 batting average and recorded a .646 OPS with two home runs and 12 RBIs. 

The trade is likely a change of scenery for both players, looking to become mainstays on major league rosters following the Rays' addition of Hicks earlier on Monday; Fuduccia was a likely DFA candidate. Finding a trade partner and adding outfield depth was a great move by Rays general manager Erik Neander. 

The 2026 MLB trade deadline has officially come and gone, and the Tampa Bay Rays have made four trades. One glaring trade that was not accomplished was adding depth in the middle infield. 

The following players will meet up with the Rays on the road trip that begins tonight in Colorado. The team takes on the Colorado Rockies. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. Eastern. 

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