Ranking the Chicago Cubs' 4 biggest disappointments so far this season

3. Dansby Swanson

We love Dansby Swanson, don't get us wrong. I can speak confidently for all Cubs fans when I say that. The truth, however, is that since he signed a deal with the Cubs, the numbers that brought him to Chicago after a career year in Atlanta have become increasingly unattainable.

In 2022, Swanson slashed a career-best .277/.329/.447 with 25 HRs and 96 RBIs. We knew there would be years for a seven-year contract that he would regress, but at the very least, his defense would make up for it. Last season, for example, he led the entire league in Outs Above Average (20) and Runs Prevented (15).

Entering June, Swanson's OOA and RP still both sit at 0. He also still sits at -1 defensive run saves, according to Fangraphs. Of course, the .205/.279/.317 slash entering Saturday only makes matters more troubling, and the Cubs need more from him. This is a regression that is past the acceptable point, and although he is a good enough player to bounce back, it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

If Swanson can't rebound offensively, it will be soon that the front office starts to look at this situation like it's Jason Heyward's contract all over again.