Atlanta Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez Has A Long History With Top Prospect Dansby Swanson

Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez Has Known Dansy Swanson For A While

The Atlanta Braves traded for shortstop Dansby Swanson on December 8, 2015 in a blockbuster trade that sent starting pitcher Shelby Miller to Arizona and the number one pick in the MLB draft in 2015 to the Braves.

This was the first time EVER that the number one pick in baseball was traded within a year after being signed.  Adrian Gonzalez and Shawn Abner are two other one number draft picks that were traded prior to their MLB debut.

Did you know that Swanson and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez have a long history?

“I’m excited to see him play and see him play,” Gonzalez told MLB Network Radio on Sirius.  “My son and him played together and grew up in East Cobb in Marietta together.  His dad coached my son in, I think 10 and under or 11 and under, but I haven’t seen him since he was 12.  I kept up with all his accolades during high school and college.”

Now 22-years-old, Swanson is the Braves top prospect and a highly rated prospect in the MLB on many sites.  Gonzalez and the Braves may not only have a great baseball player, they have an over 10-year relationship with him.

Gonzalez continued to praise Swanson on MLB Network Radio and sounds extremely excited that he’s within the organization.

Could Swanson be in Atlanta before we think?

“This guy played SEC baseball, he was number one pick in the draft a year ago…and I’m thinking to myself, why not?  If he comes to Spring Training and just tears it up,” Fredi told MLB Network.

Interesting words from the manager.  He gives Dansby a shot at making the team on Opening Day if he opens enough eyes.

Does he really have a shot to be in Atlanta on April 4th?  I’m thinking no.  The Braves have Erick Aybar that will fill the slot at shortstop for the time being.  Swanson hasn’t played above the Single-A- level so this will give him time to develop in the minors.

Next: Atlanta Braves Looking Strong for Cobb County

However, it’s likely we see Swanson at some point this season in ATL.

“He’s got great character, great makeup, terrific work ethic, everyone’s seen him play – you’ve got to think, what’s best for the kid and this organization, but I’m coming in here going ‘hey son, in my mind you’re not going to Rome or Double-A, I’m going to look at you and see how quickly can you get to the big leagues and help us win ball games’,” Gonzalez closed with on MLB Network Radio.

Spring Training games begin on Tuesday and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of Swanson early on.