This free agency decision continues to pay off for the Chicago Cubs

The signing of Dansby Swanson prior to the 2023 season changed the tune of the Chicago Cubs rebuild.

Much like the signing of starting pitcher Jon Lester in 2015 signaled the end of the Cubs' initial rebuild under Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, Swanson's addition shifted the expectation from rebuilding to contention last season.

Swanson, a World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, was going to be the initial face of the Cubs' next contention window. Swanson may not have been the superstar signing that many Cubs fans have been begging for but he has proven to be a perfect match for the front office.

A match in the sense that Swanson wouldn't be afraid to challenge the front office and their vision. Swanson made routine visits to Hoyer's office last July in the weeks leading up to the MLB Trade Deadline.

Swanson was reminding Hoyer that there is importance in investing in the roster he constructed. It was another reminder that Swanson issued during the off-season in his consistent pleas for the Cubs to bring back Cody Bellinger.

Dansby Swanson has proven to be the voice of clubhouse for the Cubs.

That would be the reason why fans should be encouraged to hear that Swanson believes the Cubs are ready for a post-season run. In speaking with Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Swanson expressed confidence in saying that "it feels more seamless" entering his second season with the team.

The core of Swanson, Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Cody Bellinger are back with the expectation of Seiya Suzuki being the offensive player that he was during the second half of the 2023 season.

On paper, the Cubs have the potential to be the best team in the National League Central this season. A goal that was likely the first step in a contention window that began to creak open with Swanson's signing last winter.

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