In the sun-drenched fields of Mesa, Arizona, Dansby Swanson is on a mission. The seasoned shortstop, with a decade in the majors, two All-Star selections, and a pair of Gold Gloves to his name, is seeking more from himself. Despite a standout 2025 with the Cubs, where he posted career highs with a 117 wRC+ and a .277 average, Swanson felt an internal push to elevate his game further.
Swanson's first season with the Cubs saw a promising reduction in strikeouts and strong offensive contributions. However, 2024 brought challenges, with an uptick in swing-and-miss tendencies that he couldn't ignore.
“I just haven’t been what I’ve wanted to be,” Swanson admitted. Determined to change, he revamped his training regimen and approach in the batting cage, aiming for continuous improvement.
The struggles were evident early last season, with Swanson finding himself batting eighth in the lineup by April's end. Despite the Cubs' offensive depth, Swanson is driven to prove he belongs higher up.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell appreciates Swanson's proactive approach, highlighting the veteran's commitment to growth. “It’s an acknowledgment that growth never stops,” Counsell noted, emphasizing the potential of new training methods to unlock success.
Swanson remained tight-lipped about specific changes but revealed a focus on enhancing his athleticism and adjusting his weight room routine. Unlike last year, when a sports hernia surgery limited him, a healthy offseason has allowed Swanson to train intensively. Hitting coach Dustin Kelly is working with him to maintain fluidity in his mechanics, drawing parallels to Swanson's dynamic movements at shortstop.
Kelly describes the adjustments as subtle yet impactful, with minor tweaks in posture and bat positioning to enhance Swanson’s movement. The goal is to smooth out the peaks and valleys that have characterized Swanson's recent seasons. Despite career-high barrel and hard-hit rates last year, prolonged slumps hindered his overall performance.
The data suggests Swanson isn't in decline, but addressing the rise in swing-and-miss is crucial. Last summer, his swinging strike rate hit a career-high 14.3 percent, with a notable drop in making contact on pitches outside the zone. This decline led to increased strikeouts and inconsistency at the plate.
At 32, Swanson is aware of the natural challenges of aging in sports. Yet, with modern training techniques and a renewed focus, he’s optimistic about reversing recent trends. As he embraces fatherhood and a new chapter in life, Swanson is confident in the path he's charting back to offensive success.
“I feel like I’m in a really good place,” Swanson shared, noting a unique sense of clarity and purpose this offseason. With a blend of experience and innovation, Swanson is poised to tackle the upcoming season with renewed vigor and determination.