Dansby Swanson is the best prospect in the Braves’ farm system, and it’s not even close. He is truly the full package. The local kid attended Marietta High School and went on to play college ball for Vanderbilt University. He led the Commodores to a College World Series over the Virginia Cavaliers in 2014, earning the CWS Most Outstanding Player Award along the way. This, along with his elite skillset, were enough for the Arizona Diamondbacks to have enough confidence in the shortstop to take him with the 1st overall selection in the 2015 MLB Draft. This past winter, the Braves’ front office committed highway robbery and acquired Swanson, Aaron Blair, and Ender Inciarte for starting pitcher Shelby Miller. The Diamondbacks wanted Miller to be the second half of a 1-2 punch between him and Zack Greinke, but so far this trade is looking very lopsided. The Braves likely have a future perennial All-Star in Swanson.
Swanson is an advanced hitter, and should hit for a high average in the majors. He projects to hit north of .280 year in and year out. He’s not a power hitter by any means, but he will likely give you about 15 homers per year. His speed will allow him to hit a lot of extra base hits and gives him enough range to stay at shortstop long term given he is pretty solid with the glove.
If things go as planned, Swanson is a guy who can hit north of 30 doubles and 15 home runs while offering solid defense. Many compare his game to that of Derek Jeter, though he has some catching up to do with the glove if that is to be the case. However, they do have a similar skillset, and Swanson has the intangibles. He is a winner, and I think once he gets to Atlanta things can really change for this team.
Swanson was promoted to AA Mississippi after a red hot start for the Carolina Mudcats. It appears that fans may get to see Swanson with the big league club by season’s end.
Swanson is a special player and a special prospect, and he gives Atlanta fans a lot to be excited about and look forward to.