Plenty of Braves fans have been upset with the performance of their shortstop this season. However, many have pointed out that the man who held that position just a couple of years ago is going through a trying time as well.
Dansby Swanson enjoyed a stellar start to his Cubs career, earning an All-Star nod in 2023. However, things have been rough the last year and a half for Swanson. The 2024 season numbers have sent Cubs fans, and even analysts, into boiling frustration.
Former All-Star and Chicago Cub, Cliff Floyd had some bold things to say in a recent Cubs postgame show. With the frustration of a shutout loss at the hands of the Angels being evident, Floyd singled out Dansby's recent poor play.
"At some point Dansby Swanson has to come through...and at some point you have to make adjustments." Floyd passionately voiced. Chicago currently sits at 41-49 in the basement of the NL Central, and you can feel the tension rise with every loss.
"We might end up getting to the point where you have to single out guys, and it just is what it is.”@CliffFloyd30 following the Cubs’ 7-0 loss. pic.twitter.com/vxHyc5Xiks
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 6, 2024
Swanson leaving Cubs fans wanting more
Floyd isn't alone in his desire to see more from Dansby. Everywhere you can see Cubs fans online irritated at the production Swanson has given in 2024. Braves fans know the ups and downs that Dansby can go through all to well, but it seems Cubs fans are seeing this for the first time.
Swanson is still playing elite defense (98th percentile in OAA), but his .204/.281/.341 slash line and 78 wRC+ has left Cubs fans perplexed. Perhaps the toughest thing for the Cubs faithful to grasp is the large strikeout numbers for Swanson.
Over his last 50 games, Swanson has as many strikeouts as total bases (55). Partner that with the struggles from the Cubs offense as a whole (only three teams have scored fewer runs in the NL), and you begin to see why people are upset in Chicago.
Things are heating up like never before due to Swanson's 0-24 skid, that was snapped in yesterday's ballgame. Still, for the month of July Swanson has a strikeout percentage over 40%. And the Cubs still have five years and over $100 million to dish out Swanson's way.
Seeing these struggles might be enough to ease Braves fans minds, knowing our struggling shortstop is making just $2 million this season. Both Arcia and Swanson have their own flaws, but when the offense is serviceable they can partner it with elite defense to form a really good baseball player. Hopefully they both figure it out soon. Not only for themselves, but for their respective fanbase's sanity.