2 desperate solutions to Cubs' Dansby Swanson problem that can't be ignored

The Chicago Cubs have a Dansby Swanson problem. Swanson remains one of the better defensive shortstops in all of baseball, but his offense has regressed to the point where he would be a clear candidate to be pushed out of the starting lineup. The Cubs will point to his defense being the reason he remains in the lineup, but the real reason is obvious.

Swanson is in the middle of seven-year deal that carries a $25.2 million AAV. That's the reality of the situation. The 32-year-old shortstop is on the highest paid players on the Cubs' roster, and for better or worse, he's going to be in the starting lineup as long as he's healthy.

Here's how the Cubs can fix their Dansby Swanson problem.

That doesn't mean that the Cubs need to be resigned to their fate. Even if, as a team, the Cubs turn their season around, it's hard to imagine that Swanson will revive his offensive skills beyond this season. Especially when, for most of his career, he's already been a below-average offensive player. The Cubs will need to be creative with how they solve their problem.

Find a bad contract to take on during the offseason

Baseball doesn't really feature the bad contract for bad contract swap that previously defined offseasons. If your a Cubs fan, think of Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva. It's become a lost art, but not completely forgotten. The New York Mets and Texas Rangers used that concept last offseason, swapping Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo.

This would be the only way Swanson finds his way off the Cubs' roster before the end of his contract. And, to be clear, this is a move that would have to happen during the offseason. Beyond that, a move that would likely be after there was a reset established at the trade deadline this summer.

Find a platoon partner at shortstop

Even though Swanson has always had mixed offensive results throughout his career, he's always proven capable against left-handed pitchers. He's carrying a 106 wRC+ against southpaws for his career.

This year has been the exception, but if the reality is Swanson is going to be playing semi-regularly if he's with the Cubs, the best course of action may be for Jed Hoyer and Co. to find a platoon partner during the offseason. It could be something as simple as having Hoerner play shortstop when the Cubs are facing a lefty, and playing Matt Shaw at second base.

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