Dansby Swanson: Still Steady, Still Key, but What Comes Next for the Cubs’ Veteran Shortstop?

Dansby Swanson turns 32 in a couple of weeks, and while the calendar keeps flipping, his game hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down – at least, not yet. Now entering his 11th season in the majors, Swanson remains a steady, if not spectacular, presence for the Cubs. And with four years left on his seven-year deal, Chicago’s front office is banking on that steadiness holding firm a little while longer.

Let’s start with the basics: Swanson’s career has been solid. Drafted first overall by the Diamondbacks back in 2015 and developed at Vanderbilt, he’s put together a 28.4 career WAR – both by Baseball Reference and FanGraphs – which is a testament to his consistency more than flash.

Over the past few seasons, he’s added more pop to his game, bumping his home run totals from the low double digits to the 20-homer range. His 2021 campaign, when he launched 27 long balls, still stands as his high-water mark.

But with that added power has come a dip in batting average. During his time in Chicago, he’s hovered around .244 – a noticeable drop from the .250s he was posting earlier in his career.

That could be a byproduct of a more launch-angle-focused approach, or maybe just the Wrigley Field effect – a phenomenon that’s not always kind to hitters despite its reputation. Either way, it’s clear Swanson’s offensive game has shifted: more power, less contact.

Even so, his 2026 line – .244/.300/.417 with 24 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 77 RBI – is nothing to scoff at. It’s a balanced mix of production across the board.

And when you factor in his glove, that value gets a boost. Swanson remains an elite defender at shortstop, and that’s not just eye test – his defensive metrics continue to back it up.

The Cubs are in an interesting spot with him. At 32, Swanson is still playing like a guy in his prime, but the back half of long-term deals can be tricky.

That’s not a knock on Swanson – it’s just the reality of aging in baseball. The Cubs will eventually have to plan for what comes next, but for now, he’s still a dependable piece in the middle of the diamond.

Postseason-wise, Swanson’s resume is long, if not particularly loud. He’s played in 10 playoff series, but his career .233 average in October doesn’t exactly scream “clutch.” Still, experience counts, and he brings plenty of it to a Cubs team looking to take the next step.

Inside the clubhouse, Swanson’s presence matters. He’s viewed as a leader, even if some fans remain skeptical about the value of his contract.

And sure, when you stack his numbers against his paycheck, the balance sheet doesn’t tilt in his favor. But leadership, reliability, and elite defense still carry weight – especially at a premium position like shortstop.

So where does that leave the Cubs? With a veteran shortstop whose bat may not carry the lineup, but whose overall game still brings value. Swanson might not be the star of the show anymore, but he’s the kind of player who keeps the wheels turning – and for a team trying to build something sustainable, that’s not a bad piece to have in place.