The Atlanta Braves' recent history is full of franchise players the team let go far too soon. If there is any solace in the team's recent decision-making, it is opting not to pay Dansby Swanson a contract nearing $200 million. While the shortstop's defense has remained fantastic, the veteran is hitting well below his career average since signing with the Chicago Cubs. After helping the Braves win the 2021 World Series, the shortstop spent one more season before following in Freddie Freeman's path and using the title to cash in for a top-dollar contract.
Swanson remains a missed piece of the franchise and was an important voice in the clubhouse and stabilizing force at the bottom of the lineup. However, you simply cannot pay $177 million for a shortstop who is yet to bat above .250 since joining the Cubs. Both things can be true. Swanson is badly missed, and the Braves made the right call. Still, it is easy to imagine what might've been if Atlanta had been willing to retain its World Series core. It is hard to envision a season as ugly as this one.
Braves Made the Right Call Not Paying Dansby Swanson at the End of 2022 Season
Since Swanson's exit, the franchise has attempted to find bargain answers in Orlando Arcia and Nick Allen. After a hot start from both players, it appears they are walking the same path, with Allen's offensive numbers starting to fade. This doesn't mean the team in any way made the wrong decision refusing to re-sign Swanson. Rather, pointing out the reality that the team opted to avoid one extreme in favor of another.
The Braves needed to pay market rate for a shortstop they could reliably plug into the bottom of the order. Instead, the franchise has opted to cheap out and bargain shop at one of the most pivotal positions on the field. It cost the team with Arcia becoming an offensive liability, and it could be heading in the same direction with Allen.
For Swanson, this was the right decision, cashing in at the perfect time and becoming a key part of a surprisingly great Cubs team. While Chicago might not be happy with the contract for the past two seasons, it is hard to complain with the team's current record. Something the Braves can only be envious of as they look up from the basement of the National League.