As the Chicago Cubs approach the midpoint of Dansby Swanson’s seven-year deal, it’s time to take a clear-eyed look at what the team has gotten so far from their highest-paid player. Three seasons in, Swanson has delivered elite defense, solid if unspectacular offense, and a steady presence at one of the most demanding positions in baseball. It hasn’t been flashy, but it’s been valuable – and in today’s game, that matters.
Swanson, now 31, signed on as the cornerstone of the Cubs’ infield in 2023. He came to Chicago with a reputation as a dependable shortstop who could flash the leather and contribute with the bat. And while he hasn’t lit up the offensive leaderboards, he’s held his own – all while anchoring the defense in a way few shortstops in the league can match.
Let’s talk numbers
Through 455 games in a Cubs uniform, Swanson has posted a .243/.313/.408 slash line with 62 home runs, 223 RBI, a .721 OPS, and a 102 OPS+. That puts him just above league average offensively – not elite, but not a liability either.
His power is real, with consistent 20-homer potential, and his production has stayed largely in line with his career averages (.251/.318/.414, .732 OPS, 97 OPS+). What you see is what you get – and what you’re getting is a steady, if sometimes streaky, bat.
But defense? That’s where Swanson shines brightest.
He’s been nothing short of elite in the field, racking up 31 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), 39 Outs Above Average (OAA), and 31 Fielding Run Value (FRV) over three seasons. That kind of consistency puts him at or near the top of the league among shortstops – and even among all defenders, regardless of position.
His 39 OAA ranks fourth-best in all of baseball since 2023. Simply put: the man is a vacuum at shortstop.
Where he stacks up
Among qualified shortstops over the past three seasons, Swanson ranks:
- Tied for 7th in home runs
- 6th in RBI
- 15th in OBP
- 13th in slugging
- 17th in OPS
- Tied for 13th in wRC+ (101)
Defensively, it’s a different story:
- 1st in DRS
- 2nd in OAA
- 3rd in FRV
- 5th-fewest errors (27)
In other words, while the bat has been middle-of-the-pack, the glove has been elite – and that’s not just a stat-sheet observation. Watch the tape from the Cubs’ Wild Card Series win over the Padres, and you’ll see Swanson’s defense take over the game. He didn’t just contribute – he changed the outcome.
The offensive question mark
The biggest question surrounding Swanson has always been the bat. He’s not Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager, or Bobby Witt Jr. at the plate – and that’s okay. But when you’re the highest-paid player on the roster and the seventh-highest-paid shortstop in the game (by AAV), expectations naturally rise.
Swanson’s offensive output has been streaky. Injuries played a role – late 2023 and early 2024 saw him battling through some physical setbacks.
But even when healthy, his performance with runners in scoring position has been inconsistent. That led to him being moved down in the order during rough patches, particularly in 2024.
Still, he’s been dependable in terms of power and has generally stayed true to his career norms. He’s not going to carry the offense, but he doesn’t need to – especially when his glove is saving runs at the rate it is.
The bottom line
Swanson has given the Cubs 12.3 fWAR over three seasons, along with an All-Star appearance in 2023 and back-to-back Gold Gloves in 2023 and 2024. That’s real value, especially at a premium position like shortstop. He may not be a top-five offensive shortstop, but he’s clearly in the top 10 overall when you factor in defense.
Is the contract a bargain? Not quite.
But it’s also not a burden – at least not yet. Swanson has been a stabilizing force up the middle and a leader in the clubhouse.
That kind of presence matters, especially for a team trying to build a sustainable contender.
What’s next?
The big question is how the back half of this deal will play out. Swanson has four years remaining, and as he moves deeper into his 30s, it’s fair to wonder how long he can maintain his elite range and defensive instincts. Shortstop is a physically demanding position, and age doesn’t often do favors there.
But let’s be honest – this was always part of the risk. The Cubs knew they were paying for prime defense and reliable production now, with the understanding that the later years might look a little rougher. So far, Swanson’s lived up to his end of the deal.
In an era where defense is often undervalued, Swanson has reminded everyone just how important it still is. He may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s been one of the most important. And for now, the Cubs can feel good about that investment.
