Braves: 3 glaring roster holes keeping Atlanta from World Series contention
By Tim Boyle
What’s going on with Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson?
The Braves are far more familiar with shortstop Dansby Swanson than they are with some of their other slow performers this year. A member of the big league club since 2016, Swanson has hardly lived up to his status as a first overall draft pick. Swanson has given the Braves a variety of results throughout the seasons. Unfortunately, the only two seasons where he finished with an OPS+ over 100 included fewer than 300 plate appearances—his 38-game stint in 2016 and the shortened campaign of 2020.
Swanson hasn’t decided to start hitting this year. Just 5 for his first 58, he has also struck out 26 times. He has never been spectacular at making contact or hitting for a high batting average. However, this early slump is reaching new lows.
The Braves aren’t absolutely handcuffed to Swanson but they also don’t have too many other great options either. Feeling no need to upgrade the shortstop position this winter, the Braves may wish they made a big change.
It’s not a particular new fad for Swanson to struggle like this. A below-average hitter throughout his career, it’s only looking worse right now because of the limited offense several of his teammates are providing. Another disappointing year from him is gasoline on the fire.