Atlanta Braves Newcomer: Dansby Swanson, From #1 Pick to Brave

Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) tries to field a ball during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

New Atlanta Braves Shortstop Dansby Swanson

Who Is He?

Dansby Swanson graduated from high school in Marietta, Georgia. After high school, he was drafted in the 38th round by the Colorado Rockies in the 2012 draft. He chose instead to attend Vanderbilt University and was selected as the 1st overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Arizona sent him to their Northwest League affiliate in Hillsboro after he had some time off following a long run in the College World Series with Vanderbilt. While he only played 22 games and only registered 99 plate appearances, he did register a very impressive .289/.394/.482 line with 7 doubles, 2 triples, and a home run while going 14/14 BB/K.

Next: Swanson's scouting report

Swanson gained the attention of national prospect rankers, as he ranked #24 by the Braves’ own Kiley McDaniels in his midseason prospect update for Fangraphs, #10 in the MLB.com midseason list, and #22 by Keith Law in his midseason prospect list.