MLB Rumors: Dodgers Linger As Possible Dansby Swanson Destination, Cubs Are Top Suitor
Dansby Swanson is expected to join the list of players who are part of the 2022 MLB free agency spending spree. The latest rumors suggest that the Atlanta Braves could have a difficult time re-signing the shortstop with a few teams still looking to make their first splash of the offseason.
The Chicago Cubs are viewed by many as the top suitor to sign Swanson. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to other free-agent shortstops, but Swanson could end up being the middle infielder who lands in L.A.
Trea Turner left the Dodgers for the Philadelphia Phillies, and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal has reported that Los Angeles isn't pursuing Carlos Correa. MLB Network's Jon Morosi said on "Hot Stove" Friday that the Dodgers are a team to watch as a possibility for Swanson.
Los Angeles could look to reunite Swanson and Freddie Freeman. The pair was part of the Braves' 2021 championship roster. The Dodgers signed Freeman last offseason in a somewhat surprising move. The team could do the same in an effort to fill the hole at shortstop, which All-Stars Turner and Corey Seager have occupied in recent seasons.
Gavin Lux will likely move from second base to shortstop if the Dodgers don't a sign a star in free agency to play the position.
The Cubs know that they need a superstar position player, according to Morosi, and Swanson could be the ideal fit if Correa heads elsewhere. Swanson might make more sense for Chicago than Correa because he's the less expensive option and his fiancée, Mallory Pugh, plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League.
The St. Louis Cardinals have also been linked to Swanson.
Swanson made his first All-Star team in the 2022 season. The 28-year-old finished 12th in the NL MVP voting with .277/.329/.776 splits and 25 home runs in 162 games. Swanson hit a career-high 27 home runs in 2021 and he posted a career-best .809 OPS in the shortened 2020 campaign.
Turner and Xander Bogaerts, the two All-Star shortstops who have come off the market, both signed 11-year contracts in free agency. The Phillies gave Turner $300 million. Bogaerts received a $280 million deal from the San Diego Padres.
Swanson could command a contract approaching $200 million, considering how much money the top free agents have gotten already.
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