Dansby Swanson’s Chicago ties should scare Braves fans

With rumors swirling that the Chicago Cubs are seeking a new shortstop, there’s one simple reason why Dansby Swanson makes a great candidate. 

Dansby Swanson has become a beloved figure by Braves fans, but his tenure in Atlanta could soon be coming to an end.

Nothing has been confirmed, and Swanson was “engaged” in contract negotiations with the Braves this August, but there’s also talk that Swanson could seek new opportunities in free agency.

The news that the Chicago Cubs are looking for a free agent shortstop has some considering Swanson for the job, and FanSided’s Tim Boyle predicts that this is exactly where Swanson will land, especially since the Braves have another option in Vaughn Grissom.

"“Because of this and a desire by the Chicago Cubs to upgrade their roster, it’s the Northsiders who will end up with Swanson in the end.Nico Hoerner had a fine year for the Cubs as their starting shortstop, but they can always move him to second base and give themselves a strong double-play combination. The Cubs bought lightly last winter. This offseason, they need to go bigger.”"

There’s another reason that Swanson may head to Chicago, although it has nothing to do with baseball. Swanson is engaged to NWSL and USWNT star Mallory Pugh, who just so happens to play for the Chicago Red Stars.

Could Dansby Swanson join Mallory Pugh in Chicago and play for the Cubs?

The Red Stars confirmed last December that Pugh has a multi-year contract to play with the team through 2023. Even if Pugh wanted to consider relocating to Atlanta next year, it wouldn’t be possible: there is no NWSL team in Atlanta at the moment.

Swanson could continue to play for the Braves, but the couple has reportedly been dating since late 2017. Moving to the same city — one where Pugh has an established career and where Swanson can further his own — would make a lot of sense should Swanson take that step.

The two elite athletes already travel a great deal for both national and international games, but Swanson has expressed how meaningful it is to support Pugh when they’re able to be in the same place.

“I almost get teared up thinking about it,” Swanson said after watching Pugh qualify for the 2024 Olympics with the USWNT in Mexico this summer. “I never ever get to be there for her big moments because her season is the middle of our season. To be able to have the opportunity for it to line up so perfectly, it’s a blessing. To be able to experience something that means so much to her, something she’s worked so long for, to be there for that and watch her accomplish something like that, it’s pretty special.”

Clearly, being there for his fiancée means the world to Swanson. With the Cubs very much in the mix, it’s something to think about for both sides.