Why the Atlanta Braves Won’t Re-Sign Dansby Swanson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 11: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a hit against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in game one of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 11: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a hit against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in game one of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images)
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atlanta braves dansby swanson makes a diving catch in the NLDS
Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves makes an exceptional defensive play in the NLDS. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Dansby Swanson is Going to Get a Big Contract

The market for shortstops will be a bit crowded this offseason, but that might help Swanson’s case for a big contract.

Two recent and notable big-name shortstop signings resulted in Francisco Lindor getting $341 million over 10 years and Corey Seager getting $325 million over 10 years.

Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, and Dansby Swanson will all be courting potential suitors this off-season. Swanson’s numbers stack up with the rest of the names on the list.

Some discussions have had Dansby in the Trevor Story/Javier Baez range of six years, $140 million. At that price, Dansby would earn $23 million per year through his age-34 season.

The Braves are already committed to over $134 million in 2023.

There are two problems with a contract similar to Javier Baez’s. 

  1. Dansby Swanson is one of the elite shortstops in the game. He’s worth way more than Baez.
  2. Javier Baez’s $23 million per year would make him the highest-paid player on the Braves next season.

Carlos Correa signed a three-year, $105 million contract with the Twins this past offseason. Correa may seem like a bigger star worthy of more money, but since the beginning of the 2020 season, Dansby has actually produced a higher fWAR.

Stats Since 2020 – Dansby Swanson vs. Carlos Correa

Swanson fWAR: 12.0
Correa fWAR: 11.7

Swanson DEF: 37.6
Correa DEF: 22.5

Swanson HR: 62
Correa HR: 53

Swanson RBI: 219
Correa RBI: 181

Swanson SLG: .451
Correa RBI: .462

Dansby Swanson has cemented his spot as one of the best overall shortstops in all of baseball and he is going to get paid as such.

Considering the contracts handed out to Correa, Seager, and Lindor, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him go far beyond six years, $140 million like Baez got.

I seriously doubt the Braves are willing to pay any more than that and I doubt Swanson would be willing to take less. Sad face…

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