When the Chicago Cubs inked Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million deal, the move was met with high hopes and expectations. Swanson was fresh off an impressive season with the Atlanta Braves, boasting a 5.5 WAR, 25 home runs, and a stellar defensive record that earned him both an All-Star spot and a Gold Glove. The Cubs envisioned him as a crucial asset who would add power, defensive prowess, and leadership to their roster as they aimed to become competitive again.
However, the current season has not unfolded as anticipated for Swanson. The initial excitement surrounding his arrival has dimmed, giving way to mounting frustration. Known for his reliability in past seasons, Swanson is having the most challenging year of his career. His performance at both the plate and in the field has been a significant concern for the Cubs, who are struggling to stay in the playoff race.
Swanson’s batting statistics this year are troubling. He’s significantly underperformed, with a batting average of .225 and an OPS below .700. His strikeout rate has surged, and his power numbers have dropped drastically. After a robust 22 home runs last season, he’s on track to hit only about 15 this year. His hard-hit rate has fallen to a career low, and his increasing tendency to chase pitches suggests he may be pressing too hard.
Defensively, Swanson was expected to be a cornerstone for the Cubs, but even his fielding has seen a decline. After leading all MLB shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) last year, his defensive metrics have regressed. Though still above average, his performance now trails behind that of the elite shortstops. More errors and questionable plays have further highlighted this decline, raising concerns about a player whose value is closely tied to his defensive capabilities.
The pressures of living up to a hefty contract and becoming a franchise cornerstone may be weighing heavily on Swanson. Adjusting to a new team and a new city, combined with the substantial expectations, seems to be taking a toll. The enthusiasm from the Cubs’ fans has turned into frustration, and Swanson’s ongoing struggles add to the mounting pressure.
Looking ahead, the Cubs must decide how to address this situation. At 30 years old, Swanson still has time to turn his season around, but the early signs are troubling. The Cubs will need him to regain his form, both mentally and physically, to justify the significant investment and contribute to building a competitive team alongside rising stars like Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong. This season serves as a stark reminder that high-profile contracts don’t always guarantee high-level performance.