Atlanta Braves: Dansby Swanson is proving he’s here to stay

After a couple of rough years with the Atlanta Braves, Dansby  Swanson is making a statement that he’s here to stay.

We all know this was a big season for Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson after a couple of disappointing seasons.

After being drafted first overall in 2015 my the Arizona Diamondbacks he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in one of the biggest thefts of all-time.

A lot of people forget that he got just under 500 Minor League at-bats before making his debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2016.

He burst onto the scene and hit .302 in his first 129 Major League at-bats, but then hit just .232 and .238 the following seasons.

In 2018 he became a great defensive player and showed some pop by hitting 14 home runs.

But everyone knew that his future with the Atlanta Braves would depend on how well he hit in 2019.

Through 40 games this season he’s showing the Braves front office and the fans what we all thought he would be two years ago.

It started in Spring Training when he started barelling up baseballs on a regular basis.

And then in the two exhibition games at SunTrust Park before the season started he hit a couple of opposite field home runs.

The excitement level from Braves fans started to pick up, but it was still too early for full-blown enthusiasm.

And I’m a little nervous to say this because I’m a true believer in the jinx, but I’m here to say that Dansby Swanson is here to stay.

I’ll be honest and tell you I’m biased towards the shortstop and want him to succeed more than anyone else in a Braves uniform.

He brings that winner mentality to the team that we need — much like a Dustin Pedroia for the Red Sox. He’s just going to do all of the little things to put his team in a position to win.

This season he’s hitting .270 with a .338 on-base percentage and 6 home runs with 25 RBI, 4 stolen bases, and 20 runs scored.

Anyone who watches him on a daily basis knows he could easily be hitting .280 or higher. It seems like every game he laces a few baseballs that are either right at somebody or the defender makes a highlight play.

He started the year in the right spot and quickly moved up to sixth. Brian Snitker now has him hitting second and the early returns are great there as well.

The reason I believe Swanson is here to stay is because of the adjustments he’s made and the results it’s giving him on the field.

He is driving the ball to all fields, he’s not flailing at the breaking pitch down-and-away, and his back foot is sliding out on every swing.

And while his defense hasn’t been as great this season as last, he’s still above average at shortstop. The play he made in the hole Saturday night was ridiculous.

I couldn’t be happier for the success Dansby is having, and I hope he just continues to get good results from all the hard work he’s put in.

After seeing Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies get contract extensions, Swanson could be next if he continues to stay healthy and play like this.