Surprise teams that could steal Dansby Swanson from Braves

The Atlanta Braves remain in the running to keep shortstop Dansby Swanson, but by no means are they alone.

The Braves failed to sign Dansby Swanson to an extension prior to this offseason, thus making him a free agent. Swanson arguably ranks fourth in the rankings of free-agent shortstops this offseason, losing out to Trea Turner, Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts.

That’s respectable company, of course, with Turner already signing an 11-year contract with the Phillies on Monday. The rest of that crop are in negotiations with several teams. Swanson, for one, has already made contact with the Cubs and Cardinals.

Braves could lose Dansby Swanson to surprise teams

Chicago targeted Swanson from the beginning, and Jed Hoyer has the approval of the Ricketts family to spend whatever necessary to boost the Cubs odds of contending next season. In theory, Chicago could add both Swanson AND another shortstop, if necessary.

As for St. Louis, the Cardinals have had a hole at shortstop for quite some time. Paul DeJong hasn’t worked out as planned, and Edmundo Sosa isn’t a long-term solution. Swanson certainly would fit that bill, were he to sign with the Cardinals and thus boost their World Series chances in the process. A Cards infield with Dansby in it would prove star-studded, as St. Louis already possesses two MVP candidates at the corners in Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt.

The Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks make sense for Swanson, as well. Los Angeles lost Trea Turner to the Phillies, which creates an opening to sign Dansby should they wish.

Seattle and Arizona have been two ‘surprise teams’ in on Swanson from the very beginning, and Braves fans are growing weary of their presence. The Mariners have made two big splashes already this offseason via trade in Teoscar Hernandez and Kolten Wong. Adding Swanson would be the icing on the cake.

As for Arizona, they were listed as a surprise team for Xander Bogaerts. Like Bogaerts, Swanson would have to be willing to switch positions once top prospect Jordan Lawler makes the majors.

It’s all certainly possible.