Atlanta Braves Newcomer: Dansby Swanson, From #1 Pick to Brave
Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) tries to field a ball during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
New Atlanta Braves Shortstop Dansby Swanson
Who Is He?
Dansby Swanson graduated from high school in Marietta, Georgia. After high school, he was drafted in the 38th round by the Colorado Rockies in the 2012 draft. He chose instead to attend Vanderbilt University and was selected as the 1st overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Arizona sent him to their Northwest League affiliate in Hillsboro after he had some time off following a long run in the College World Series with Vanderbilt. While he only played 22 games and only registered 99 plate appearances, he did register a very impressive .289/.394/.482 line with 7 doubles, 2 triples, and a home run while going 14/14 BB/K.
Next: Swanson's scouting report
Swanson gained the attention of national prospect rankers, as he ranked #24 by the Braves’ own Kiley McDaniels in his midseason prospect update for Fangraphs, #10 in the MLB.com midseason list, and #22 by Keith Law in his midseason prospect list.
Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits an rbi ground out during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Dansby Swanson Scouting Report
More from Tomahawk Take
- Atlanta Braves 2012 Prospect Review: Joey Terdoslavich
- Braves News: Braves sign Fuentes, Andruw’s HOF candidacy, more
- The Weakest Braves Homers Since 2015
- Atlanta Braves Sign Joshua Fuentes to Minor League Deal
- Braves News: New Year’s Eve comes with several questions about the 2023 Braves
I watched four of Swanson’s games with Hillsboro. I did pick out games where Swanson accumulated a good number of plate appearances just so I could be sure to get plenty of looks at him. His numbers in the games I viewed were 17 at bats, 8 hits, 6 runs, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 RBI, 2 walks, and a strikeout.
At the plate, Swanson has very good balance in his stance, even when going after a pitch that he was “fooled” by, keeping his bat in the zone, even if his feet aren’t in perfect position. I was impressed by his ability to spoil pitches that he couldn’t handle well and to really put good bat on the ball when he had a read on one.
While Swanson didn’t steal a base in the 2015 season, it is not due to a lack of speed. In fact, if anything, his speed, and not his power, will be what carries his offensive value. He’s got good gap power that his excellent speed will turn into a lot of extra base hits. I saw him turn two doubles into triples on the throw back into the infield, which is smart base running as well.
Next: 2016 outlook
On defense, Swanson played shortstop, and he flashed some impressive range in the games I viewed – certainly more range than I’d been led to believe was there. He moves particularly well to his left, and he has a particular skill in slide-and-throw. He pops up after sliding to his left with an immediate and accurate throw. I was also impressed with his throwing accuracy, though the ball to the “5.5” hole (between the shortstop and third baseman’s normal positioning) brought out a throw that three-hopped the first baseman in the only such play I got to see him make, so arm strength could be a factor down the road.
Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) reacts after the game against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Final at TD Ameritrade Park. Virginia defeated Vanderbilt 4-2 to win the College World Series. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Dansby Swanson 2016 Outlook
I’ll readily admit that I’m much more naturally able to evaluate a pitcher than a hitter, but I can spot a defender when I see one. Swanson has great instincts on the field, and he has a nose on the bases as well. I cannot wait to see him grow in the Braves system.
Swanson will likely slot at Carolina or Mississippi to start the season this year for the Braves. He’ll be kept at shortstop for as long as he’s still skillful at the position.
The interesting decision will be down the line when the Braves make the decision between Swanson and Ozhaino Albies as their shortstop of the future. As it is, they’re both likely top-50 overall prospects in all of baseball. Albies is the more natural shortstop from my viewings of both, and he is certainly more comfortable going to his right with the stronger arm in my limited ability to compare the two. Swanson may not have the arm to work at third base, but his strong defense to his left would allow him shade up the middle and still cover well as a second baseman. Time will tell how the Braves end up using the two players.