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Atlanta Braves positional previews vs. NL East: shortstop

By Jonathan Magel

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a team workout at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a team workout at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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VENICE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Photo Day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2020 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
VENICE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Photo Day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2020 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Atlanta Braves thought they had a franchise shortstop after the Shelby Miller trade. Where will he end up on the list?

The NL East has an interesting assortment of shortstops that are tough to split apart. The Atlanta Braves boast the former number one pick, Dansby Swanson.

In his first few years, he has shown with potential with the glove and bat but can’t seem to put it together for a breakout year.

The division rivals the Philadelphia Phillies signed Didi Gregorius to a one year 14-million dollar contract hoping he could bounce back from injury and return to his high level of play.

The New York Mets will start 24-year-old Amed Rosario at shortstop who put together a solid third season last year. Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals will trot out speed demon, Trea Turner to start a shortstop.

Finally, the Miami Marlins start the 31-year-old Miguel Rojas at shortstop who also put together a nice 2019 season.

5. Atlanta Braves

When first pondering this piece I didn’t anticipate having Dansby this low at all but truthfully at this point he is. He has yet to show whether or not he can handle playing everyday shortstop offensively and defensively.

The offense has been a struggle at the beginning of his career with a career batting average of .245 , OBP of .318 and SLG of .385. He showed improvement on the offensive side of the ball last year batting .251, with an OBP of .325 on 17 home runs.

All of which are increases against his 2017 and 2018 campaigns so there’s reason to believe he made some strides in that area.

The more perplexing aspect of his game is defense. Dansby during the 2018 season was considered a plus defensive player and by all accounts was going to continue that trend.  He was even a Gold Glove nominee that year.

After the 2018 season the floor for Dansby was going to be a ‘good defensive shortstop who’s bat never quite came around’. However, after last year’s steep decline in defensive metrics last year that puts it into question.

Fangraphs steamer projection has his offensive production at .252/.325/.416 on 17 home runs and a WAR of 1.8.

As many have written this is clearly a make or break season for Dansby Swanson. If he doesn’t show the ability to be an everyday shortstop, be prepared for changes.

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