Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos latest comments on the offseason won’t make them happy about their chances of bringing back Dansby Swanson.
The Atlanta Braves have been relatively quiet at the MLB Winter Meetings, while they watched their division rivals in the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets all make huge signings. But given the Braves’ roster construct, they’re relatively set for the foreseeable future. But there was one key player set to hit free agency, and that was shortstop Dansby Swanson.
For Braves fans wondering if there was any update on the Swanson front, general manager Alex Anthopoulos provided one. Anthopoulos says that they are looking to find “the deal that makes that makes the most sense,” while not being stuck on one position.
The quote are provided via David O’Brien of The Athletic:
Braves GM provides update on offseason approach
Given Atlanta’s success with Anthopoulos at the helm, the fanbase is going to give him the benefit of the doubt. But could they go another offseason where a player who began their MLB career in Atlanta leave to sign a new deal elsewhere. It was Freddie Freeman last year, but could it be Swanson this year?
Recent reports have linked Swanson to the Chicago Cubs, who are in need of a shortstop. Specifically, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote in an article that Swanson is “the most realistic option” for the Cubs. These Winter Meetings have shown that the Cubs are willing to throw around some money to improve their roster.
The Brave do have options if they don’t come to an agreement with Swanson. Orlando Arcia is one, and prospect Vaughn Grissom is another. In fact, Grissom has worked with third base coach Ron Washington at shortstop this offseason.
It may only be a matter of time that the shortstops fly off the board, especially after Aaron Judge re-signed with the New York Yankees. With that, the star power lies at the shortstop position, consisting of Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, and Swanson.
Braves fans will be bracing themselves for the eventual Swanson announcement.