Braves insider continues to kill any optimism around Dansby Swanson

There has been a bad feeling about Dansby Swanson returning to the Braves for some time and one team insider is only killing any optimism further. 

One of the big concerns for Atlanta Braves fans this offseason was whether or not the organization and general manager Alex Anthopoulos would be willing to pony up big money to keep Dansby Swanson as the team’s shortstop as part of a stalwart young corps for the 2021 World Series champions.

With the way free agency has played out thus far, most notably with Xander Bogaerts recently signing an absurd 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres, that has become more of a concern. And with that concern, the feeling has started to grow that the Braves need to start getting ready for life without Swanson in the lineup.

And one Braves insider apparently agrees with that assessment.

David O’Brien of The Athletic was asked on Twitter if Atlanta was still considered the favorite to land Swanson this offseason. His reply had to be disheartening for fans as he said that it had been some time since he thought the Braves were in the driver’s seat in this sweepstakes, citing the money that the shortstop could receive from the Cubs or others.

Braves rumors: Dansby Swanson returning looking less likely than ever

As painful as it may be for Braves fans to hear, this all checks out, especially after seeing Freddie Freeman depart last offseason for the Dodgers.

The fact of the matter is that Atlanta and the front office have been wizards when it comes to locking up elite young talent on long-term deals early. They’ve done it with Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, Michael Harris II, Austin Riley and many, many others that are key pieces for their future. And the goal has always seemed to be to avoid the situation like they’re in with Swanson.

With the shortstop hitting free agency in what is becoming a crazily lucrative market, the Braves are too smart with their decisions to do anything that would be deemed an overpay, even for a valuable piece like Swanson. And the way the current market is set, they would almost surely have to overpay to keep Swanson in Atlanta.

It’s a tough scene but it does appear more likely than not that Dansby Swanson is returning to the Braves. The good news is that they seem well-equipped to take that blow and still succeed.