Dansby Swanson plays hero with breathtaking defensive play to secure Cubs' victory

For one night, Chicago Cubs' shortstop Dansby Swanson made fans forget about the potential closer issue that may be brewing in the bullpen.

Former Houston Astros' closer Ryan Pressly has yet to find his footing in the Cubs' bullpen and his struggles continued on Saturday night. After entering the game with a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the 9th inning, Pressly struggled to miss bats once again. Pressly was tagged for two runs before facing a situation with two runners on base, two outs, and the Cubs barely holding onto a 4-3 lead.

Dansby Swanson called game.

Dansby Swanson's miraculous defensive play saves the day for the Cubs

It's plays like the one Swanson made on Saturday to end the game that are a vivid reminder of the value he brings to the Cubs. Swanson's offense may leave a lot to be desired during certain stretches of the games, but his defense is his calling card. In a season where the Cubs have to outperform their projections, plays like the one Swanson made to end the game on Saturday will be needed.

What makes Swanson a brilliant defender at shortstop is his ability to think through each scenario. The fact Swanson had the awareness to not only field the ball but then beat Garrett Hampson back to third base speaks to his defensive excellence.

There aren't must-win games in March for Major League Baseball teams but Saturday felt like a game the Cubs had to have. After getting trounced by the Diamondbacks on Friday night, Saturday night saw the first home run in a Cubs' uniform for Kyle Tucker as well as Matt Shaw's first-career home run. It was a game that had the Cubs lost, there would have been flashbacks to 2024 and the games the Cubs let slip away during the early months of their season due to the bullpen inconsistency.

Beyond Swanson's defensive heroics and the home runs from Tucker and Shaw, Shota Imanaga eased some initial concerns over the Cubs' rotation on Saturday night. Imanaga pitched seven innings on Saturday night, giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4.

Now, the Cubs may have a closer problem but that conversation can be saved for the next blown save.