Is It Time to Start Panicking About Dansby Swanson?
![Is It Time to Start Panicking About Dansby Swanson? Is It Time to Start Panicking About Dansby Swanson?](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MTk2NTAzMzEyMzIwMTc3MzAy/usatsi_20202692.jpg)
We have seen questions and concerns about shortstop Dansby Swanson all over Chicago Cubs social media lately. So, we wanted to address those with this piece.
Is it time to start panicking about Swanson?
No.
Well, that's the short answer, but here's the longer one. . .
Yes, Swanson is hitting .059 this spring, which by any measurement is not particularly awe-inspiring. His trademarked defense has been characteristically solid, but his performance at the plate is what has worried many.
You have to keep in mind that many of the games biggest stars have an adjustment period when changing teams. Especially so in Swanson's case as he is a Georgia native, grew up watching the Atlanta Braves, and then spent over seven years in their organization.
He has a new home, surrounding, and organization to adjust to. He has been thrust into a leadership role, a role he is capable of filling, but an added responsibility nonetheless.
Swanson's performance this spring is such a non-factor in camp that even manager David Ross quelled any type of talk about it.
“Dansby Swanson is our starting shortstop. I don’t care if he gets a hit all spring, right? Some guys know where they’re playing, and they know they’re getting ready for the season. Some guys were here just to get experience and go back down to the minor leagues and start their season. Some guys are coming in competing for jobs. And competing for jobs is producing when it matters.”
But it's true, isn't it? Swanson has proven over the course of his career that he will perform when it matters most. Yes, his 2022 MLB season was a breakout season when he registered an OPS+ of 115 and who knows if that type of production is here to stay.
Yet there is no reason to think he won't live up to his career slashline of .255/.321/.417.
It's natural to overreact when it comes to a new star player who is worth $177 million. But like Ross said, "who cares if he doesn't get a single hit all spring?"
Nothing to see here.
And it's most definitely not time to start panicking.
More From SI's Inside The Cubs
- Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Chicago Cubs?
- Did David Robertson Net the Cubs a Future Star in Ben Brown?
- Hoerner is the Cubs Shortstop of the Future
- Cubs Could Give Canario a Shot in September
- Could the Cubs Land Trea Turner in the Offseason?
- Chicago Cubs Have a New Top Prospect in Their Rankings
- Is This Top Cubs Prospect Destined for the Mound at Wrigley?
- Steele Offers Glimpse Into Future of Cubs Rotation
- Do the Chicago Cubs Have the National League's Best Bullpen?
Make sure to follow Inside the Cubs on Twitter!