Dansby Swanson is a professional baseball player known for his position as a shortstop. He has played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves and is currently a member of the Chicago Cubs.
Swanson was drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2015 MLB Draft, which is a testament to his talent and potential as a player. In this blog post, we will explore whether Dansby Swanson still plays as a shortstop and discuss his career, accomplishments, and skillset.
Dansby Swanson’s Background
Dansby Swanson was born on February 11, 1994, in Kennesaw, Georgia. He grew up in a sports-loving family and developed a passion for baseball at a young age.
Swanson attended Marietta High School in Georgia, where he played baseball and was named the 2012 Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for the state of Georgia.
After high school, Swanson went on to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores. In 2014, he helped lead the Commodores to the College World Series championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
During his time at Vanderbilt, Swanson was also named the SEC Player of the Year in 2015.
Swanson’s impressive college career caught the attention of major league scouts, and he was selected first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2015 MLB Draft. He signed with the Diamondbacks and began his journey as a professional baseball player.
Dansby Swanson’s Mlb Career
Dansby Swanson was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks as the first overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, just one year after he led Vanderbilt to a College World Series championship. He quickly rose through the Diamondbacks’ minor league system and made his MLB debut on August 17, 2016.
However, Swanson’s time with the Diamondbacks was short-lived, as he was traded to the Atlanta Braves just a few months later as part of a multi-player trade. He finished the 2016 season with the Braves and became the team’s starting shortstop the following year.
Swanson quickly established himself as a key player for the Braves, both with his strong defensive skills and his ability to hit for average. He batted .302 in his first full season with the team and was named the National League Rookie of the Month in August 2017.
Swanson continued to play as the Braves’ starting shortstop for the next few seasons, earning a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the league.
Overall, Swanson’s time with the Braves was marked by steady improvement and consistent performance.
He played a key role in helping the team win the National League East division title in 2018, and he was a key contributor during their playoff runs in 2018 and 2020. Swanson played in 535 games for the Braves, hitting .259 with 59 home runs and 260 RBIs.
Dansby Swanson’s Current Position
Dansby Swanson was traded to the Chicago Cubs on November 30, 2022, as part of a multi-player deal that sent several Cubs players to the Braves. The move was somewhat surprising, as Swanson had been a key player for the Braves and was coming off a strong season.
It is not yet clear whether Swanson will continue to play as a shortstop with the Cubs or if he will be moved to another position.
The Cubs have a strong shortstop in Javier Baez, who is also a free agent this offseason, so it is possible that Swanson could be moved to another position, such as second base or center field.
Regardless of where he ends up playing, Swanson is expected to be a key contributor for the Cubs in the upcoming season. He is a talented and versatile player who brings a lot of value to any team he plays for, and Cubs fans are excited to see what he can do in a Cubs uniform.
Dansby Swanson’s Skillset
Dansby Swanson is known for his excellent defensive skills, which make him a standout player at the shortstop position. He has a strong arm and quick reflexes, which allow him to make difficult plays with ease.
Swanson is also an excellent communicator on the field, which helps him coordinate with his teammates and make split-second decisions.
Offensively, Swanson is a solid hitter who can hit for both power and average. He has a smooth swing and good plate discipline, which allows him to make solid contact with the ball and avoid strikeouts. Swanson is also a smart baserunner, with good instincts and quick feet.
Swanson’s talent and hard work have earned him a number of notable accomplishments and accolades throughout his career.
In addition to being named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 College World Series, he was also a finalist for the 2015 Golden Spikes Award, which is given to the top amateur baseball player in the country.
He was named the National League Rookie of the Month in August 2017 and was a key contributor to the Braves’ playoff runs in 2018 and 2020.
Some of Dansby Swanson’s Key Statistics and Accomplishments
| Statistic/Accomplishment | Number |
|---|---|
| Drafted first overall in the MLB Draft | 2015 |
| MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves | August 17, 2016 |
| National League Rookie of the Month | August 2017 |
| Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series | 2014 |
| Career batting average | .253 |
| Career home runs | 86 |
| Career RBI | 312 |
| Career stolen bases | 49 |
| Postseason appearances with the Braves | 3 |
| Defensive WAR (Wins Above Replacement) | 6.1 (2021 season) |
This table highlights Dansby Swanson’s draft position, debut date, and some of his key accomplishments and statistics throughout his career. It shows his success both at the college level and in the MLB, as well as his offensive and defensive contributions to his teams.
FAQs
How did Dansby Swanson get into baseball?
Dansby Swanson grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia, and began playing baseball at a young age. His father was a collegiate pitcher, and Swanson’s love for the game grew as he watched and played with his dad.
What is Dansby Swanson’s batting average?
As of the end of the 2022 season, Dansby Swanson’s career batting average is .253.
Has Dansby Swanson ever won a Gold Glove award?
No, Dansby Swanson has not won a Gold Glove award yet, but he has been a finalist for the award in the past. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the league.
What is Dansby Swanson’s contract with the Chicago Cubs?
As of now, it is not clear what Dansby Swanson’s contract with the Chicago Cubs looks like. However, it was reported that he signed a contract extension with the Braves in 2021, so it is possible that part of that contract will carry over to his time with the Cubs.
How does Dansby Swanson compare to other shortstops in the league?
Dansby Swanson is considered to be one of the top shortstops in the league, both offensively and defensively. He is often compared to other elite shortstops such as Francisco Lindor, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Corey Seager.
Conclusion
Dansby Swanson is a talented and versatile player who has made a name for himself as one of the best shortstops in Major League Baseball. His excellent defensive skills, combined with his ability to hit for power and average, make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Over the course of his career, Swanson has earned numerous accolades and accomplishments, including being named the National League Rookie of the Month and playing a key role in the Braves’ playoff runs.
While it remains to be seen whether he will continue to play shortstop with the Chicago Cubs or if he will be moved to another position, there is no doubt that Swanson will continue to be a key contributor for whichever team he plays for in the future.
