Height
6'0"
Weight
190 lbs
Age
32
College
Vanderbilt
Draft
2015, Rd 1, #1
Experience
10 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsC
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 1286 | 0.2504744 | 164 | 636 | 0.7313669 | 106 | 1188 |
Current Contract
Length
7 years
Total Value
$177.0M
Guaranteed
$106.2M
AAV
$25.3M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Dansby Swanson's 7-year, $25.3M AAV deal with the Cubs earns an F CVI grade — a contract that looks increasingly problematic as he enters his age-32 season. Despite his Gold Glove pedigree (2022, 2023) and solid defensive reputation, his C performance grade suggests he's not producing at a level that justifies premium shortstop money in today's market. The former first overall pick (2015) is now firmly in the established veteran phase where decline becomes a real concern, yet the Cubs remain committed through his age-38 season on this massive deal. While the organization and fanbase maintain positive sentiment around Swanson's clubhouse presence and defensive excellence, the financial reality is harsh — paying elite money for above-average production with significant age-related risk baked into the remaining years. The lengthy term structure only amplifies the value concern, as shortstops rarely age gracefully through their late thirties, making this one of the more questionable long-term investments in recent Cubs history.
Performance Analysis
Dansby Swanson grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB shortstops, earning a B+ Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.251 batting average and a 0.732 OPS (near the league average of .720) this season. With 164 home runs and 634 RBI through 1282 games (a 21-HR, 80-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. His 106 stolen bases add an elite speed dimension that creates additional offensive value. As a prime-age veteran at 32, Dansby is a key contributor for the Cubs. A 1282-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/10 | vs PIT | L 0-2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Wed, 4/8 | @ TB | W 6-2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
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