As the Atlanta Braves continue to work to keep Dansby Swanson as a member of the franchise, one MLB insider is reporting just how far apart the two sides are on a new contract. He is also saying that the St. Louis Cardinals could be the beneficiary of the Braves being unable to keep Swanson in the fold.
St. Louis Cardinals rumors: Dansby Swanson “could wind up” with Cardinals if Atlanta Braves can’t resign him
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Atlanta Braves offered Swanson “about $100 million” while Nightengale says the 28-year-old Swanson is seeking $140 million and “neither side has budged,” indicating that contract talks were at a standstill between the two sides.
With that in mind, Nightengale goes on to say that Swanson “could wind up with the St. Louis Cardinals” if his negotiations with the Braves fail.
Predictions for Swanson’s return to Atlanta have been dire in recent weeks, so perhaps it’s not a surprise that the seven-year MLB veteran will be finding a new home this offseason. Swanson put together an OPS+ of 115 this season (tied with his rookie season in 2016 for his career high) as he slashed .277/.329/.447 with 25 home runs and 96 RBI last season, setting himself up for a big payday this winter.
Will the Cardinals spend the money to bring Swanson to St. Louis? It would be an interesting spin from what Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) late in November, saying that Tommy Edman “is a very, very good shortstop” and Rosenthal adding it was, “doubtful he could strike a bargain in free agency or in a trade” for a big-name shortstop.
St. Louis seems to be more focused on improving behind the plate and with depth on the mound and in the outfield, but the addition of someone like Swanson could help lengthen a lineup that already includes two of the top vote-getters in the NL MVP balloting (winner Paul Goldschmidt and third-place finisher Nolan Arenado).
Is St. Louis a possible landing spot for Dansby Swanson? With the Cubs reportedly honing in on Xander Bogaerts, perhaps the NL Central will land two of the four top free agent shortstop options this offseason.