When the Chicago Cubs signed Dansby Swanson prior to the 2023 season, they hoped he would be the player that he was in his final season with the Atlanta Braves. Swanson batted a career-best .
277 with 25 home runs and 96 RBIs in his last season with the Braves. That season and his career track record earned him a seven-year contract worth $177 million with the Cubs. Swanson was part of a shortstop free agent class in 2023 that included Carlos Correa, Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts.
It was the most memorable shortstop free agent class in quite some time, and many thought the Cubs came away with the best deal based on years and money.
Even with the bargain of a deal that it seemed like it was, Swanson has underperformed a bit during his first two seasons with Chicago. He had season averages in 2023 and 2024 of .244 and .242, respectively, and this season is looking like it could potentially be worse. Through 29 games and 116 at-bats, Swanson is hitting .
181 with an on-base percentage of just .232 and 38 strikeouts. The last 15 games especially have been potentially the worst 15-game stretch of his career. Over those last 15, he is batting just .143 with 27 strikeouts in 63 at-bats. Swanson has only two multi-hit games and two extra-base hits.
Despite his struggles, Chicago has maintained to stay afloat and continue to win close games. It cannot be expected that the Cubs will be able to maintain their success if Swanson’s struggles continue throughout the season.
If they do continue, Chicago will be faced with an extremely tough decision to make surrounding his future with the team. A decision that could potentially see the Cubs explore the trade market and send away their $177 million shortstop less than halfway into his contract.
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