When the Chicago Cubs inked Dansby Swanson to a seven-year deal before the 2023 season, there was no doubt about the leadership and defensive prowess he'd bring to the table. Swanson's arrival signaled the Cubs' intent to climb back into contention following their 2021 trade deadline rebuild. Yet, the real question mark was his offensive contribution.
Swanson was part of a free-agent class that included heavy hitters like Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, and Xander Bogaerts. While his defensive skills were top-notch, his offensive numbers during his last seasons with the Braves left some skeptics wondering.
In his debut season with the Cubs, Swanson put up a respectable wRC+ of 105, hitting 22 home runs. While those aren't shabby figures, his offensive performance has dipped over the past two years.
The decline led manager Craig Counsell to adjust Swanson's spot in the lineup, driven by his struggles with runners in scoring position. Last season, Swanson's wRC+ was just 74 with runners on, a stark contrast to his 113 mark with the bases empty.
Swanson recently addressed the media during the Cubs' spring training, acknowledging the offensive challenges he's faced.
Reflecting on his game, Swanson admitted, "I feel like I haven't been what I've wanted to be over the last few years. The best thing I could do was intentionally change things, whether that was how I was training or some of the things in the cage. Pushing myself to get better."
It's promising to see Swanson's self-awareness, but turning around his offensive numbers remains a challenge. Last year, he saw a rise in strikeouts and a drop in walks, with a walk rate of 7.3%-his lowest with the Cubs-and a strikeout rate of 26%-his highest.
The path forward for Swanson is clear: he needs to get on base more often. Fine-tuning his swing selection will be key.
Fortunately, he now shares the clubhouse with Alex Bregman, known for his impeccable swing decisions. With Bregman as a mentor, Swanson has a solid resource in his quest for offensive resurgence.