The Atlanta Braves have a clear list of regrettable contracts this season, with Ha-Seong Kim, Reynaldo Lopez, and Sean Murphy being outliers on what is otherwise an incredibly productive roster. This trio combines to add up to $49 million for the 2026 season, with each of the deals being a clear issue that Atlanta should escape if the right opportunity presents itself. This brings us to Dansby Swanson and the Chicago Cubs, with the infielder being benched by the organization as he continues to hit below the Mendoza line.
Swanson is making $27 million this season and will make over $25 million each of the next three seasons. Still, it is entertaining to consider a potential return to Atlanta, solidifying the shortstop position and sending away the current problem contracts, getting it down to one with the following hypothetical trade.
Chicago's reasons for agreeing to such a deal would simply be the fact that Kim's deal is expiring while both Lopez and Murphy remain far more tradeable pieces that still have hopes of contributing at some level. The Cubs can escape Swanson's deal, and the Braves can turn the page on a number of frustrating pieces while hoping a return to Atlanta sparks the player the infielder has been for the bulk of his career.
Swanson was incredibly key to Atlanta's 2021 World Series run and remains an elite defender who would shore up the Braves' infield. This would also free up manager Walt Weiss to utilize Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon in the outfield more often and get the best out of the unit. The only downside is that even if Swanson turns things around, it is an overpaid deal that has three years remaining.
Potential Braves Trade Would Set up Reunion with World Series Champ Dansby Swanson
While this isn't ideal, the Braves have been incredibly thrifty when it comes to spending, and now is the time to push your chips to the center of the table. Trading away the pieces sent to the Cubs lessens your payroll for this season and gives you a further chance to make blockbuster additions utilizing the team's farm system.
For Swanson, the belief is that a return to the Braves could unlock the hitter he has been previously and cement a position that hasn't had a consistent answer since the veteran's departure. It is again important to note that this is simply speculation and not a likely deal when you consider the front office trends and the lack of large contracts on Atlanta's current payroll.
The only reason to believe this could be an exception is Swanson's history in Atlanta, as well as the clear World Series chance that lies ahead of Atlanta. It would be a fitting reclamation project and put Swanson into a better situation with a loaded lineup. The Braves should at least consider it worth a phone call if Chicago has any interest in offloading the shortstop.
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