Dansby Swanson Is Headed For Chicago
Dansby Swanson has a new home. The 2021 champion and All-Star shortstop has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs. After a long saga, with many suitors in both leagues, the last of the superstar shortstops in 2022 free agency is settled. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to break the news:
The terms of the deal is reportedly 7 years and $177 million, according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel:
At 29, Swanson still has many years of elite play ahead of him. His first All-Star season was one to remember in his final season in Atlanta. 25 home runs, 96 RBIs, a .277 batting average, and a Gold Glove to boot. As Passan alluded to, Swanson has now created a formidable middle infield at Wrigley Field alongside Nico Hoerner. Meanwhile, for the Braves, they will now have to pivot despite a very active offseason. The highlight of which being the trade for Sean Murphy. However, with a struggling farm system, the 2021 champs will have to find a stopgap of sometime at shortstop. Does Orlando Arcia fill in for the time being? Will they call up Braden Shewmake to this big show? An acquisition of a remaining veteran player is probably most likely.
The Cubs Are Splashing Cash
Swanson is the latest acquisition for a Cubs team that struggled in 2022. He joins former MVP Cody Bellinger, starter Jameson Taillon and reliever Brad Boxberger as new additions. Rumors were swirling ever since Swanson married Chicago Red Stars player Mallory Pugh a couple of days ago. Now, the newlyweds can start their new life together in Chicago. Swanson and Bellinger will add some help to a lineup that desperately needs it, especially after the loss of Willson Contreras to the arch-rival Cardinals. Will this rebuild yield instant results? Probably not. Regardless, there is a new star for fans to watch at Wrigley Field.
