Dansby Swanson Free Agency: Top 5 destinations for Gold Glove All-Star Shortstop

Twenty-twenty-two was a strange season for Dansby Swanson and the Atlanta Braves. Although the defending champions trailed their divisional rivals, the New York Mets, they went through a late-season surge to capture their division for the fifth straight season.

Although the Braves lost at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies, they had some high notes this season. Chief among those was shortstop Dansby Swanson. Swanson, appearing in all 162 games for the Braves at shortstop, hit 25 home runs and a career-best 96 RBIs.

However, because the Braves only had Swanson under a one-year deal, the shortstop will now be free to decide where he goes next.

#1 Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins made a big splash last offseason when they signed Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa to a three-year deal worth about $105 million.

However, after a disappointing year for the Twins, Correa opted out of his contract, leaving a gaping hole at the position. Dansby Swanson, with his defensive prowess and big bat, could be a perfect fit.

#2 Los Angeles Dodgers

One thing the Dodgers have more than most other teams is money. The Dodgers paid Trea Turner, their current shortstop, $21 million this past season.

However, it looks like Turner, who led the MLB in plate appearances this season, could leave. If this happens, LA will welcome Swanson with open arms.

#3 Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are a team with more than a few questions at the shortstop position. All of the stars of their 2016 victory Javier Baez, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have gone. As a result, they have had to build from the ground up.

This past season, they relied on 25-year-old Nico Hoerner at shortstop. Swanson could add a lot of depth to that position.

#4 Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels are becoming something of a parody these days. Even with Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, two of the best players in the world, they have not been to the postseason since 2014. The Angels are also extremely shallow at the shortstop position.

They split the season between four players. If Dansby Swanson could be convinced to come to the Angels, they could definitely use him. The Angels could also offer him a decent salary.

#5 Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are likely the best team in the MLB to not have an A-list shortstop. Bryson Stott did the job this past season. But with an average of .234 and only one year of experience under his belt, Dansby Swanson could certainly add some depth and experience that Stott could use to his advantage.

About the author

Adrian Dorney is a baseball journalist at Sportskeeda. Having worked over five years in the industry, Adrian strives to combine statistical analysis with the human side of baseball reporting. Since a lot of his briefs involve publishing content with urgency, he has perfected a process involving a combination of trustworthy sources and assessment with intuition.

His lifelong tryst with baseball began with growing up in Toronto and watching the Blue Jays regularly. His favorite player is Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., and Jose Bautista's go-ahead home run in 2015 ALDS Game 5 remains his favorite baseball memory to date.

When not working, Adrian is constantly looking to learn new things and he also loves playing golf and chess.

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