Atlanta Braves Shortstop Dansby Swanson 2018 Outlook
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson is coming off of what was a bad 2017 season when he failed to look anything like the player the Braves were expecting. Is Dansby Swanson set to bounce back or will his struggles continue?
The Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson finished 2017 with a .232 average that was the product of a few hot stretches. Swanson’s hot stretches were impressive but for the rest of the season Swanson chased bad pitches and didn’t help himself.
It started early in the season when Swanson was swinging the bat well and he simply was hitting the ball right at defenders. The bad luck seemed to get in his head and never left for the rest of the season.
Swanson’s struggles were a product of poor plate discipline and allowing his bad luck to result in poor mental play. Dansby Swanson is still going to mature into a valuable Major League player.
The problem for fans this season is they will have to remain patient as Swanson continues to learn on the job.
Dansby Swanson is going to take a step forward this season but will go through struggles as he continues to learn along with other young position players on the Braves roster setting them up for very hot and very cold stretches.
This season will be the key for Dansby Swanson if he struggles again the Brave may have to consider looking at other options or moving Swanson to a different position.
Watching Swanson early this year and watching how quickly he gets going after Spring Training will be key. All eyes in Braves country will be on Swanson this season watching to see if he can take that step forward.