Cubs: Carlos Correa and 3 other monster free agents they could sign
By Tim Boyle
2. Monster Cubs free agent target: Dansby Swanson
Another one of those shortstops out there, Dansby Swanson had one of the better seasons in 2022 among the players on this list. The Atlanta Braves love locking up their young players to an extension early. Apparently, someone didn’t pass along the memo to do the same with Swanson.
Just ahead of his first trip to free agency, Swanson dominated at the plate. He hit 25 home runs and drove in 96 while also stealing 18 bases. Swanson slashed .277/.329/.447 which all topped his career totals.
Swanson to the Cubs could end up happening if only because of a lack of openings elsewhere. Despite the strong season, he may end up with the most affordable of the top-tier free agent shortstops. We can see why looking back to previous season totals prior to 2022. Hitting .250 has been a challenge for him at times. His free agency will rely heavily on the unexpected increase in power he has had over the last two seasons: hitting 52 of his career 102 home runs in 2021 and 2022.
The Braves have an obvious replacement for Swanson already on the roster. Rookie Vaughn Grissom would enter his sophomore season at a far more affordable rate. They can’t sign everyone forever. The Cubs could be the team to make sure they don’t.
On top of everything else, Swanson’s fiance plays Mallory Pugh who plays for the Chicago Red Stars.