Dansby Swanson is one of the biggest names left in MLB free agency, and the race for his services could come down to two teams.
Dansby Swanson is the top priority for these two teams
Over the last two weeks, MLB hot stove dealing has reached an all-time high. Several players earned record deals, including superstar Aaron Judge, Justin Verlander, and Carlos Correa.
The shortstop position had the most star-studded class, with Correa, Xander Bogaerts (San Diego Padres), and Trea Turner (Philadelphia Phillies) all signing career-best deals with new teams. However, Dansby Swanson, another outstanding shortstop remains.
Swanson was named an All-Star for the first time in 2022, and he also won Gold Gloves.
Stats for Dansby Swanson (2022):.277 AVG,.329 OBP,.447 SLG, 25 HR, 96 RBI, 18 SB
Dansby Swanson has emerged as the focal point for any remaining teams looking to upgrade the position. However, two teams appear to be the most likely landing spots for the 28-year-old.
The Chicago Cubs are the frontrunners to sign Dansby Swanson in MLB free agency
The Chicago Cubs have long been linked to signing one of MLB’s free agent shortstops. While the National League Central team has been relatively quiet in terms of trades and free agents in recent years, many observers believe that this may change this offseason.
Swanson is the lone big name left in the infield market, according to New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman, and the Cubs “are in on him.”
With all other options exhausted, this is the organization’s final opportunity to make a significant market impact and add a piece that could be a key player for years to come.
Swanson’s new wife, Mallory Pugh, is a member of the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars, and the Cubs are thought to be a strong contender for him.
Heyman also stated that Dansby Swanson’s current team, the Atlanta Braves, is still very much in the running: “Shouldn’t count out the incumbent, hometown Braves. Belief is he’d want to go back. Braves are very stealthy.”
In a three-team trade earlier this week, the Braves acquired star catcher Sean Murphy, and they appear to be retooling for another NL East title run in 2023.
