The Chicago Cubs got their shortstop for the foreseeable future, signing former Atlanta Brave Dansby Swanson to a contract.
This MLB offseason, there were four top-tier shortstops available in free agency, Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves being among them. Swanson remained after Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Carlos Correa signed with their respective clubs on lucrative contracts. For Swanson, he had multiple suitors across both the American and National Leagues. But, he has finally made his decision.
He’s heading for the Windy City to join the Chicago Cubs.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reported that the Cubs and Swanson were finalizing a contract on Saturday. With that, the Cubs have their middle infield all locked in for the foreseeable future with Swanson and Nico Hoerner.
But how big of a contract did Swanson receive? Did it reach the levels that the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants handed out deals to Turner, Bogaerts, and Correa, respectively?
Dansby Swanson contract details: Cubs have their new shortstop for foreseeable future
According to ESPN baseball insider Kiley McDaniel, Swanson and the Cubs agreed to terms on a seven-year, $177 million contract. Additionally, McDaniel reports that Swanson’s contract includes a full no-trade clause.
Based off the math, Swanson is scheduled to earn an average annual salary of $25.3 million, which ranks sixth among all shortstops. For those wondering, that number ranks behind Turner ($27.2 million), Correa ($26.9 million), and Bogaerts ($25.5 million), per Spotrac.
Swanson had plenty of suitors this offseason, including the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Cubs.
The 28-year-old is coming off of a strong 2022 campaign, where he was named to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career, and won a Gold Glove for his defense at shortstop.
Playing in all 162 regular-season games this past year, Swanson recorded a .277 batting average, a .329 on-base percentage, .447 slugging percentage, 25 home runs, 96 RBI, 99 runs scored, and 177 hits.
After signing outfielder Cody Bellinger and pitcher Jameson Taillon, the Cubs were able to get their new starting shortstop for the next seven years in Swanson.