Atlanta Braves: Top Options at Shortstop Next Offseason

With Dansby Swanson entering his final year with the Atlanta Braves, who are some of the top options they’ll have to consider for shortstop next offseason? 

Dansby Swanson has been the shortstop of the Atlanta Braves for five straight seasons — about to be six — and it’s been an up-and-down journey.

But his time at the position could come to end after the 2022 season, leaving a huge vacancy that needs to be filled by GM Alex Anthopoulos and the Atlanta Braves.

These are some of the top options to choose from entering the next offseason.

Braves Option 1 — Bring Back Dansby Swanson

Whether they look to extend Dansby Swanson now or re-sign him after the season, bringing him back might be the best and easiest option for the team.

A lot will depend on how the 2022 season goes for Dansby — who is still just 28 years old.

We know he wants to play in Atlanta and loves playing here. But we also knew that was the case for Freddie Freeman and look how that ended up. And oh, by the way, Dansby uses the same agency as Freeman.

The same will be true for Dansby as it was for Freddie, if you love Atlanta and want to play here, you may have to take a little less than what you think you’re worth.

Alex Anthopoulos is not to be messed with in negotiations.

If Dansby is willing to take a team-friendly deal for around $10-$12 million over four or five years, then bringing him back makes a ton of sense. You already know you can win with this guy.