The Atlanta Braves have been working to lock in the core of their roster, extending their younger players for the foreseeable future.
There has been one notable exception. While all of these contracts have been handed out, Dansby Swanson is still waiting for his own deal. According to Justin Toscano from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves confirmed mutual interest in getting an extension done.
Dansby Swanson may not leave Atlanta Braves after all
That mutual interest should not be a surprise. Jon Heyman had reported back in August that the Braves were beginning to discuss an extension with Swanson’s representatives. A deal may be able to come together relatively soon.
It is understandable why the Braves would want to lock him up for the long haul. Swanson posted a solid .277/.329/.447 batting line in his 696 plate appearances, hitting 25 homers and 32 doubles. Should Swanson and the Braves not be able to agree on an extension, it is also easy to see why he would be one of the top shortstops available.
There is also a matter of what Swanson means in the clubhouse. He is affectionately called “Sheriff” by the younger players as he makes certain that everyone is doing their part and playing the game the right way. His locker room presence may not be something that the Braves want to lose.
But one has to wonder how much motivation the Braves would have in locking Swanson up long term. Not only is his OPS+ below average for his career, but his strikeout and walk rates have trended in the wrong direction over the past three years. There is also the presence of Vaughn Grissom to consider as the young infielder showed that he was ready for a major league role after being pressed into service this season.
That is the key. The Braves do have other areas that they need to address this offseason. Keeping the money that would otherwise be spent on Swanson and allocating it to other areas may be the right move, especially if they feel that Grissom can take over as an every day option. It is the question that Alex Anthopoulos will need to answer. Until then, the fans will have to deal with a waiting game.
The Atlanta Braves and Dansby Swanson have a mutual interest in an extension. Although it is coming down to the wire, he may not leave after all.