Dansby Swanson and the Chicago Cubs are enjoying a red-hot start to the season, and the All-Star shortstop just received even more exciting news.
Swanson’s wife, Mal, revealed on Instagram that the couple is expecting their first child.
Even with the added doctor visits and the emotional toll on his wife, Dansby Swanson has managed to appear in every game for the Cubs this season, posting a solid .737 OPS. He’s tied for the team lead with 38 games played and has crossed the plate 27 times for a Cubs lineup that led MLB with 236 runs scored as of May 8.
Batting fifth in 27 of those contests, Swanson has been a key piece in Chicago’s strong start. The Cubs sit at 22-16 and are atop the National League Central, holding a three-game edge over the Brewers, Cardinals, and Reds, who are all tied for second.
Power couple
Like Swanson, Mal, formerly known as Mallory Pugh, is a professional athlete. She has played for the Chicago Stars in the NWSL since 2021. Pugh earned an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. women’s soccer team and was part of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad.
Mallory Swanson, who made history by signing the richest contract in NWSL history with a five-year deal, has yet to play this season for the Stars, citing “personal reasons.” Given the recent pregnancy announcement, it seems likely she will miss the entire season.
At 27, Mallory has logged 3,048 minutes for the Stars since being traded from Washington in 2021, scoring 23 goals in 65 games across four seasons.
Mallory and Dansby, who married on December 10, 2022, share a strong athletic background—Dansby won the 2021 World Series with the Atlanta Braves. It’s no surprise that Mallory’s brother-in-law, Jace Peterson, helped bring the couple together when Dansby was with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Cubs Provide Cover
While Mallory may not have to worry about competing this season, the pressure will only increase for Dansby.
Fortunately for him, the Cubs’ offense has been more than capable of covering for him if the added stress of preparing for a baby starts to affect his performance. Although Swanson is a key contributor, the Cubs have been on fire offensively this season. Outfielder Kyle Tucker, acquired from the Astros in the offseason, has emerged as a legitimate NL MVP candidate. Tucker shares the team lead in home runs (9) with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and DH Seiya Suzuki.
Swanson’s seven homers place him fifth on the team, trailing those three and catcher Carson Kelly, who has eight in just 86 plate appearances. Swanson’s 27 runs scored—more than some NL playoff hopefuls like the Giants and Phillies—have him tied for 12th in the majors and fourth on the team, behind Tucker (30), Crow-Armstrong (29), and left fielder Ian Happ (29).
Swanson’s elite defense is another asset. The two-time Gold Glove winner ranks third among MLB shortstops in fielding percentage (.993), with just one error this season. He is also second in putouts (57), behind only Francisco Lindor of the Mets (68).