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Chicago Cubs starting shortstop Dansby Swanson wasted little time in becoming the face of the Cubs' current contention window.
The 2024 season marks the first season since 2021, when the Cubs have the clear expectation of winning at the Major League level with the goal of making it to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
Swanson's arrival last season, after signing a seven-year deal with the Cubs in free agency, ushered in a new culture for the organization on the field. While Swanson was a beloved figure with the Atlanta Braves, it did not take long for him to endear himself to Cubs fans.
Look no further than when Swanson was recently asked to sign a St. Louis Cardinals' hat.
Dansby Swanson was not interested in signing a Cardinals hat 😂
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) May 3, 2024
(📸: @Fanatics) pic.twitter.com/9GDCzA8HHa
Dansby Swanson has no interest in boring Cardinals' gear.
The Cubs won't play the Cardinals until towards the end of May, but Swanson keeps the same energy regarding the Redbirds no matter what day it is.
It's been an underwhelming start to the season for the Cardinals after finishing the 2023 season in last place. The Cardinals currently are battling the Pittsburgh Pirates at the bottom of the National League Central.
However, if we're being honest, it's also been an underwhelming start to the season for Swanson.
Swanson was signed by the Cubs because of the defense that he provides at the shortstop position. While Swanson won the 2023 National League Gold Glove award in his first season with the Cubs, his defense has been a liability to open the 2024 season. With 4 errors on the season and only 1 out above average, Swanson's defense this season is pacing far behind the expectation that was set in 2023.
That becomes a problem considering Swanson's shortcomings on offense. Swanson's offensive numbers took a dive during the second half of the 2023 season and that regression has continued in 2024. Swanson's wRC+ has sat below 100 for most of the season, and if he is not providing Gold Glove defense, hating the Cardinals, and being a leader off the field, for as much as he is getting paid, is only going to take him so far.