Dansby Swanson is the best remaining free agent, the only of the top four shortstops who has yet to agree to terms. Teams like the Cubs, Twins, Dodgers, Red Sox and incumbent Braves have all been tied to him, although there’s no indication he’s especially close to a deal.
Minnesota, Boston and the Dodgers each lost a star shortstop of their own to free agency, making them all natural fits to look to Swanson as a possible replacement. However, various reports have cast some doubt on each of those possible landing spots. Both Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic and Jon Heyman of the New York Post have written recently that Los Angeles is presently more on the periphery of the Swanson market. Rosenthal and Heyman each suggest L.A. might only jump into the mix if Swanson’s asking price dips into a range they find especially palatable.
That at least partially stems from luxury tax considerations, with various reports suggesting the Dodgers are eyeing the possibility of dipping below next year’s $233MM base threshold. The Dodgers have paid the tax in each of the last two seasons, setting them up for heightened penalties as repeat payors. A team can reset their payor status by dipping below the threshold for one year, and doing so next season may free L.A. up to aggressively target free agency during the 2023-24 offseason. Los Angeles is presently projected around $32MM shy of the tax marker by Roster Resource, leaving room to add Swanson without going past the threshold. However, there’s apparently some organizational concern they could find themselves on the hook for money owed to Trevor Bauer if the pitcher’s two-year suspension is overturned or reduced on appeal, which is expected to be heard in the next month.
Heyman wrote yesterday the Red Sox are “seriously considering” Swanson after watching Xander Bogaerts head to San Diego. Chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom recently told the media the club was looking to add players at up-the-middle positions, but the presence of Trevor Story means they’re not locked into a shortstop pursuit. Boston reportedly offered Bogaerts, whom they’d called their top offseason priority, $162MM over six years before he landed in San Diego. Pivoting with a similar or higher proposal to Swanson would raise some eyebrows, and Jen McCaffrey of the Athletic wrote yesterday it seems unlikely Boston would make such an investment.
The Twins had been in contact with Swanson even before Carlos Correa agreed to terms with the Giants, putting themselves into the mix for a fallback option. Both Darren Wolfson of SKOR North (Twitter link) and Dan Hayes of the Athletic (on Twitter) suggest the Twins remain involved, but both reporters characterize it as more of a longshot for Swanson to actually land in Minneapolis. The Twins do still have a fair bit of payroll flexibility, even after this afternoon’s $11MM agreement with Joey Gallo.
Regardless, Swanson’s sure to find a significant deal from some team this winter. The next-best remaining free agent shortstop is Elvis Andrus, while the trade market doesn’t have many obvious solutions. Swanson is coming off an All-Star campaign, one in which he connected on 25 home runs with a .277/.329/.447 line while appearing in all 162 games for the Braves. He also secured his first career Gold Glove after rating as 15 runs above average defensively, per Statcast. At the start of the offseason, MLBTR predicted a seven-year, $154MM contract.
Jaysfan1981
7/154 doesn’t sound so bad, if he plays good D and hits league average it’s a good deal
Jays could give him that and trade BO.
RunDMC
Only thing is, he’s hit league average (per OPS+) in only 2 full seasons with 115 OPS+ being his career-high in 2022.
richardc
Yes, but in at least two of those other seasons, Dansby was injured with wrist issues, and we all know how that can negatively impact a player’s performance.
Still though, it was his choice to play while being injured, so it is what it is..
RunDMC
I get it — there are some that say that Swanson was promoted too quickly. And he was sent down for a spell to work on things in 2017. All I’m saying is that ATL got rid of Simba back in the day (though under control) even though he was arguably the top defenseman in MLB b/c they didn’t think his bat would play long-term. Swanson has, at least in 2022, become one of the best gloves in the game, but there are still significant questions about his offensive streakiness (career-high in K, almost career-low in walks) that overshadow his accomplishments (career-high in HR) — or at least give pause to handing over an overpay. The other 3 star SS signed bigger deals, but have a lot less risk in the short term.
Jm207* 2
Every other shortstop far surpassed their expected contracts. I think Dansby will too.
Led Hoyer
The teams in on Swanson don’t seem like they will be giving out 10 year contracts. I am guessing he gets 6/7 under 25 aav.
deweybelongsinthehall
I was thinking 6/$144m. He benefits from market conditions at that price in my view. He’s good, not very good or great. Beyond that and it’s an overpay (might be even at that).
RunDMC
MLBTR projected 7/$154M before the market exploded for SS with the 3 signings….so he signs for less?
Smacky
Considering all the teams with a ton of money have already spent a billion dollars on shortstops & the Yankees signed Judge and Rodón & the Mets went bonkers on pitchers and way overpaid Nimmo, I’d say yes. He gets less years and less money than what proposed here.
NicoHoerndawg
He honestly doesn’t deserve to be lumped in the same category as the other 3. His career has not really been that impressive. If I were a GM I wouldn’t be going much more than 6 years and $120m. That might even be an overpay.
Led Hoyer
Exactly. You had a couple teams driving this absurd market. Those teams are off the board. I can’t see any of the teams mentioned on Swanson pushing his market outside the projections.
deweybelongsinthehall
MLBTR projections are good but in this case, teams left are not likely to make impulse offers. If his market was hit, he likely would be off the board too. As teams spend elsewhere, some sticking to a budget have less to offer. I thought he would have signed right after the market was set by Turner. W I’ve been wrong so many times in this market, the only thing I know is I’d avoid him him unless the price made sense and either he was the final piece for a team ready to win. Out of the teams out there, MN makes the most sense but I still think he ends up with the Cubs.
RunDMC
FWIW, Swanson just got married last Saturday (12/10/22), so he’s probably been preoccupied. I get he’s not the one negotiating, but you gotta imagine he needs to sign-off on a decision, especially considering he’s good friends with Freeman. – and they have the same agent – and Freeman was public in commenting that he wish he was more involved in negotiations. Swanson didn’t want to change agents, but you can imagine that probably opened his eyes in terms of what he needs to do to not end up like Freeman’s scenario (filled with regret from the process).
Drew Waters Bat
Every other shortstop far surpassed, you talking about Tatis too or no?
Salvi
It doesnt negate his point. Swanson is the last SS in a very demanding market. He will certainly pass 6/144M.
User 112202899
10/200 to the Giants. Solidify that middle-infield for the next decade
rememberthecoop
He’s gonnabgetb8 years, 200M
ayrbhoy
When you consider what the market gave the 3 other SS’s I think his contract will be at LEAST that many years in length. I could see a lesser amount but only if he signs with ATL.
Cap & Crunch
Everyone thought the same with Correa last year
*Markets are not infinite, the music always goes off at some point
Smacky
I think you may be missing the point here. The point is the teams willing to spend crazy money have spent it.
Bluejay4life
Bo is one of the best hitters I.tge team
Saskatchewan Jaysfan
Swanson cost too much. He has had one good year when u really look at things and might of had a career year. I do agree that Bo shouldn’t be playing SS, but I’d keep him because he’s a very good hitter and is still cheap for a few more years. Should be moved to 2nd base,except that we have 3 second basemen already(Espinal can play SS).Not sure if Espinal is a good enough hitter for SS
Bluejay4life
Esp. Is a good ball player. Bo can be a game changer he should be extended really. This year is going to be way different without the shifts I figure there will be a lot more 300+ hitters in the league. Vladdy and Bo should be life time Bluejays. They will thrive this year. Caven should have a good year as well.
Smacky
No Bichette’s defense at shortstop is game changing. That’s not in dispute. There is a problem though. Said change benefits the opposing team in Spades.
rondon
All of them cost too much. Everyone says it every year and I t’s true- when you’re looking back. But not forward.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Would like to see Swanson re-sign with the Braves and play his entire MLB career there. Okay, I know he was originally a D-Back, but most fans, save for D-back fans i.e., have forgotten that..
I believe Swanson can consistently give a team .260 20 80 year after year. Throw in double-digit SBs, at least while he’s still young and running, and add in a dose of solid defense up the middle, and there aren’t too many teams who would sneeze at that.
10centBeerNight
Bet ATL brings him back.
RunDMC
I’ll take that bet.
deweybelongsinthehall
Once he realizes he’s not getting other SS money, there’s a great chance he does return to Atlanta. If someone overpays (the Cubbies who no longer have Hayward’s deal after 23), he’s gone.
RunDMC
Sure, but there’s a wide-gap between $180M, $300M, 350M — considering Swanson is the 2nd youngest of the 4 SS. Him being the last remaining doesn’t get more years/dollars than the ~$150M he was projected to receive?
YaySports
Maybe but I don’t think it’s any guarantee. Just because we mention Dansby in the same class as those other SS doesn’t mean teams will value him the same way. I doubt there’s anybody in baseball that thinks he’ll repeat last season.
RunDMC
@YaySports – I’ve heard Anthopolous say multiple times this offseason how Dansby “keeps getting better” — and when you look at his career trajectory – he does. So I think there’s plenty that would buy into him getting even better. That being said, $150-180M is a lot to gamble with and that’s why ATL as essentially already left the table, got their free drink and taken their chips to the roulette wheel.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
I’d like to think that, but based on today’s SS market, he’ll want more than ATL is willing to give.
It’s all enjoyment to watch Swanson & Albies work together, but it may be over…
ForeverGiantsFan
I think Minn or the Cubs. At least 8 years 176 million.
TradeAcuna
ATL should steal Swanson. I’m willing to bet Swanson will field the last out of the WS and contribute to the WS win unlike some other players that shall remain unnamed.
BeforeMcCourt
If he’s your FA, is it really stealing..?
Dumpster Divin Theo
They should try to acquire Acuna and this young kid Max Fried. I hear he good.
LivingRoomGM
Wonder if his asking is too high. Might be why no one’s pulled the trigger
YankeesBleacherCreature
Probably not if XB can get $280MM.
stymeedone
Yeah, Prellar was in panic mode and basically doubled Boston’s offer for no reason. I wouldn’t expect that to be taken as precedent setting to other teams.
Led Hoyer
That was an insane contract. AAV is fine but all these decade long contracts are going to bury them. They better win in the next 3 years.
deweybelongsinthehall
Machado is likely gone after next year but they gave up a lot to get Soto. 23 is a huge year for the Friars.
BaseballisLife
Machado is likely a Padre for life based on his comments this offseason.
Terry B
Like to think he’d team up with old buddy Freeman but doubt Dodgers would do more than a 5-6 year deal! Besides, scumbag Bauer holding up Dodger moves until the league finally makes a ruling on his suspension!
Jean Matrac
Yeah, everybody thinks their superstar player with an opt-out won’t, because he likes it there. He can stay win SD even if he opts=out. Did you really expect his comments to be any different?
JudgementDay
Well the giants paid the trash can banging Correa for 13 yrs 350 is a little insane. I rather take Xander at 280 mil and give Machado the 70 million to add it to extension
YankeesBleacherCreature
@VegasatNights If you mean 280 + 70, I think Machado would take it. But 70 wouldn’t even get his attention.
YankeesBleacherCreature
@BaseballisLife He obviously likes it in SD and has taken on a leadership role. Money talks though. Padres should focus on extending Soto if they can only keep one.
BeforeMcCourt
i think it comes down to track record. The others are much better hitters, with a longer track record. So teams valued them higher. Then the luxury tax games led to longer deals and subsequently higher guarantees, with lower AAVs
StreakingBlue
Probably still on honeymoon high with the do not disturb sign on the doorknob
olereb
I would love to see Dansby back in Atlanta. He is not the best ss in the game, but he is a winner. I have heard already of 3 players who took less because they were comfortable. Come on Dansby don’t be like Freddy and come back and cry like a baby.
cbraves
Dansby is coming back to the Braves. I truly believe so.
Veejh
No way. They low balled him….that’s how they operate. If they don’t get a club friendly deal, they move on.
atlbraves
Not at 28 or 30 mil a year
StreakingBlue
Oh you swami you! You wish!
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Would not be shocked to see St. Louis make a pitch for Swanson. DeJong has had his chances and is no longer the answer at SS for the Cardinals. I prefer Edman play 2B instead of SS.
Swanson is the type of solid player that would fit in just right in St. Louis. Doesn’t have to be the top banana. Let Arenado and Goldie bear that burden. All Swanson would have to do is just show up and play good baseball every day.
Anyone who opines that he can’t do that doesn’t know baseball.
_fausto_
makes too much sense…stl wont dole out the dollars even though they have it. theyre planning on winning the division and exiting 1st round. best mo will do is elvis andrus, which is still better than dejong.
CubSimp
As a Cubs fan the thought of this horrifies me but also makes a ton of sense. He’d be a great fit in STL as much as I hate to say it
_fausto_
cubs have a way better shot at Swanson and hed fit well at wrigley as well. nico can stay at 2b unless they really believe in madrigal or morel id like to see madrigal live up to his hype…but glad we can agree. i live in stl and pretty much disagree with everything the cardinals do so i just like to hate on them. i actually dont hate the cubs just a fan of the game. i would be happy if stl signed elvis and traded for some SP or a LH bat
… Elvis looked good once he got out of oakland although a big downgrade from swanson its more the cardinals style to shop at goodwill…hes streaky but so is Swanson. fwiw i just read cubs are one of the top 4 predicted landing spots for swanson. i believe they were number 1…rizzo was my go to fantasy 1b for years…loved him lol. if swanson ends up in LA/SD/NY Ill be livid.
overdamonstah
The Red Sox? LAMO yeah right. That would require a commitment to investing. Although it would be par for the course for the idiot bloom to spend a ton on him after letter a proven Fenway performer like Xandy walk.
Ebouch25
15 home runs in Boston is not a Fenway performer. His lack of power is frustrating.
Samuel
I don’t believe that most of the teams that “have all been tied to him” have any interest in him other than possibly a one-year contract at a reasonable rate.
robbie83
Why aren’t Yankees interested?
Pedro Martinez’s Mango Tree
Because their two best prospects are shortstops?
Samuel
robbie83;
Because they called up 2 SS prospects last year that will be playing for them in 2023, and their best prospect is a SS that may well be called up in 2023…..plus they have a SS?
Hey, are you a Yankee fan? You seem like it!
robbie83
Yeah ok let’s see if those 3 SS options are still playing opening day in 2 years.
Samuel
robbie83;
LOL
Seriously, do you have any idea of how much investment of money and coaching they put into those 3 guys? You think they should just sign veterans coming off of good years to expensive long-term contracts?
You ARE a Yankee fan!!!!!
JoeBrady
I’d make a serious wager that either Pereza or Volpe are a starting SS in two years.
Tigers3232
@Robbie while prospects always carry risk. Both Volpe and Peraza have had alot of success in minors and are widely viewed as MLB ready talents. Odds are in favor both will b starting in MLB in 2 years.
brucebochyisthemarlboroman
I really thought he’d be headed to the Doyers. But the more I think about it I’m thinking Cubs. Maybe 8/170
bravesnation nc
I agree with many on here. You are close to your family, leader on the team, and ccsn be on a contender. Both sides need to figure out a happy medium and just get it done. Dansby is not the best SS but certainly not the worst. Stay home and where you obviously are comfortable and keep winning.
tedtheodorelogan
Think he would take a deal like Correa took last off-season? Short with a high AAV and opt outs?
BeforeMcCourt
he’s not a good enough player to make 35M for any season…
Jean Matrac
Cubs are a possibility, but I’m thinking Twins. Even though they weren’t the higher bidder, seems like they were willing to spend on keeping Correa.
Pedro Martinez’s Mango Tree
Big difference between Correa and Swanson
Jean Matrac
I wasn’t comparing. Twins lost a SS, were apparently willing to pay something fairly big to re-sign Correa. So they need a SS, and Swanson is a reasonable replacement at a much lower figure.
inkstainedscribe
He might get a one-year prove-it deal with Minn.
I don’t see him getting the opt-outs Correa did. Not enough upside.
Jean Matrac
Swanson isn’t signing a 1 year deal. What the Twins gave Correa is irrelevant to any offer to Swanson. But they need a SS, and can afford him at whatever his market value is.
j_butte
Cubs will sign him, 8/200. Braves would be smart to pivot to Andrus at 2/25.
Jake1972
Cubs are not giving out long term contracts like that anymore.
Five years?
Maybe but no way will they give him a eight year deal.
Samuel
Jake1972;
It appears the Cubs FO is coming to their senses (they deserve a lot of credit for getting rid of Baez – he’s not worth half the money he’s getting!).
Their push to developing pitching is the right thing to do. I believe the Cardinals are terribly overrated and will miss Yadi’s leadership and baseball smarts quite a bit. The Cubs and Brewers have a real shot at the NL Central crown in 2023.
ChiSoxCity
If the Cubs continue to undervalue the FA market, forget about them contending for a long, long time. This is true for any team, but especially the Cubs. Their behavior really doesn’t make any sense. No one thought Jason Heyward would get that kind of money, but the Cubs had no problems signing him. But they refuse to go after big time players who have a track record of elite performance.
Led Hoyer
I’d be stunned if the cubs go to 8 years. I am guessing they offer 6 and lose out to someone who offers 7.
NashvilleJeff
@J-butte: The Braves won’t waste that kind of salary on Andrus. They’ve got Arcia @ $1.3M and Grissom for the $720K minimum in 2023. They’ve apparently decided to downgrade the position to limit payroll. Why burn money on vets like Andrus or iglesias at SS?
padam
I know the other SS’s were more attractive, but I’m surprised it’s taking this long after Correa signed up with the Giants. Solid on D and his offensive numbers aren’t bad at all – has been improving year by year, though the Ks have increased as well. He’s young enough where a 6 year contract would cover his prime years and for $22-25M per, it’s one of those situations where you don’t have to worry about the position for years to come.
I thought he’d be a shoe in for Atlanta, and still do since he’s from there, however I could see him latching on with someone like the Twins.
Benjamin101677
I don’t think Swanson will be a Braves; he is going beat the offer that his camp gave the Braves that the Braves turned down. Swanson should easily surpass 6 years and 140 million.
When the off season came and Atlanta hadn’t signed him he was as good as gone.
Toms Changeup
I have to agree, I don’t think the Braves sign him as a Braves fan I’m ok with it. They’ve been doing a great job developing talent of late and I think the money is better spent elsewhere and maybe spent next year instead of this year. Just because money is available doesn’t mean it has to be spent now.
CenterWingPolitics
The problem with Swanson is that offensive output happens in either two 3 week streaks or like he did last season a 6-8 week stretch. Outside of that he should be hitting ninth in every lineup lol
BashBroJoe
Have a feeling Arizona will sign him.
Smoltzy16
If this guy wasn’t #1 overall pick we wouldn’t be talking about him with the likes of Correa, Turner, or Bogarts.
He’s not a great hitter, until his contract year. He’s got the glove, and with possible shift rules changes maybe his value increases, but not this much.
Should be 5yr/100, which is about what I think the Braves offered. Anything more than that is an overpay.
Curly Is A Dumb Stooge
Mystery Team has been quiet all offseason. They can hardly field a team. I think they’ll swoop in last minute to sign him.
dsett75
A Tigers infield (3B to 1B) of Schoop, Swanson, Baez & Torkelson wouldn’t look too bad. Then maybe Baez wouldn’t have so many errors.
iBleeedBlue
Idk man, everything written thus far about my boys in blue had been true in terms of avoiding large contracts. If our front office is wise, we won’t let Swanson go elsewhere. As a fan base, we love and adore our farm system and the 3-5 guys we always seem to have ready to contribute and at least 1 or 2 AAAA types waiting for a spot on the main roster. However, shortstop is a sore spot for us, and after losing both Seager and Turner to longer, higher AAV contracts, and staying away from Correa for obvious reasons, LA MUST sign Swanson. We won’t accept Lux or any platoon or any minor leaguer. We need an impact shortstop and we need it now. Plus the Swanson/Freeman feel good story is there as a final thought.
RunDMC
What is the Swanson/Freeman feel good story?
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
I’ll accept it. Oh, I’m sorry. Am I not a part of what you mean by “we?” Or should I simply defer to your subjective parameters for what makes and doesn’t make a Dodger fan?
Shrutefarm
I don’t think Lux is as bad as people make him out to be. Before he wrecked his back, his OPS+ was right there with Trea. Plus, anyone who watched the Dodgers much knows Trea has many shortcomings on defense. Lux rated as an average defensive SS in minor leagues.
CommentsSectionCommenter
Beyond the questions that remain about Lux’s bat–questions he answered to a degree last year–the problem lies with his arm, which is garbage.
jonathanh1020
As a Braves fan I believe the Braves offer is not the highest but they are willing to go over the tax line for him . Since Swanson has yet to sign, he unless someone offer crazy money like the padres did for Bogaerts then he might actually take a hometown discount and stay with the Braves
bravos14
While I doubt Dansby will be offered the “crazy” money the top three SS received, I do believe he’ll be offered more years than AA is comfortable with. It’s also hard not to expect LAD to offer a higher AAV over fewer years. I’m as clueless as everyone else when it comes to knowing the true intentions of the Braves organization, but let’s hope for Swanson’s sake they’re willing and able to offer one year less and $20m less than the highest bid. The no-trade inclusion could be an issue of course, but that’s something the Braves should probably except in this day and age of modern baseball.
Viveleempireevil
He goes to the Twinkies. Unless…Chaim Bloom has another attack of the dump sweats and overpays a la Yoshida and Story and…
baseballguru
BOSTON go get Dansby Swanson & extend Raffy and be done with it already!
urnuts
I don’t see him as a $20 million plus SS unless he proves another offensive year like last. Maybe he goes the Correa route and signs a shorter contract with opt outs.
I feel he is a 5 year $90 million player but of course I have sh!#y job outside of baseball.
Maybe he signs 2 years $55 million with an opt out after 1.
brandons-3
I think the goal obviously has to be the $200 million, which is surely more realistic now than it was at the start of the offseason. This market was almost a perfect storm for shortstops.
Turner wanted to play on the East Coast and felt like the Phillies had to at least hit the $300 million mark to compete with San Diego’s offer.
If you think about it, the only crazy deal so far is Xander Bogaerts. There’s no one that projected him anywhere close to what he got.
Once Turner got his, it was almost guaranteed that Correa wasn’t signing for less than whatever made him the highest paid SS ever. Giants were desperate and took the plunge, but the total dollars weren’t shocking.
However, I don’t know if there’s a situation out there for Dansby to collect $200 million or more. The Braves aren’t going that high, and I don’t expect the Red Sox to either (though they could overpay to appease the fanbase). Cubs could potentially if they want a face or clubhouse leader as they reshape/rebuild themselves in the next few years, but they aren’t viewed as a contender. Twins surprised everyone with Correa last year, but I don’t know if they’d make that big of a multi-year commitment. Dodgers don’t see the value at that $200 million price point.
Someone will give him a lot of money, and I think it’ll be an overpay. I just don’t think the remainder of teams in on him are in situations that warrant paying him in line with what the other three earned.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
I highly doubt the Dodgers cut Bauer, if they lose the appeal. My guess is they try to trade him first by attaching some cash and maybe a good but not great prospect. And when a trade fails to materialize, they’ll go with the “we’re paying him this much, might as well use him” mindset. Plus, it’d be fun to see Bauer and Syndergaard on the same team.
I also am dubious about the overblown media reports that Dodger players never want to see Bauer again. Of course, we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors but I doubt every Dodger is unilaterally behind that decision, should they get to that point. I believe if the Dodgers (especially management) truly wanted to get rid of Bauer, they would’ve at one point during this whole process emphatically said so. Instead, they’ve deferred to MLB this whole time, meaning they’ll probably adjust as needed, but probably not too dramatically.
BlueSkies_LA
The appeal isn’t of any decision made by the Dodgers, so they can’t lose it.
If you are doubtful about the “overblown” media reports, consider whether you’ve heard anyone other than his lawyers and some misguided fans say anything in his defense. The silence is kind of deafening, don’t you think?
The Dodgers have remained quiet about this situation for the last year and a half because the process is completely out of their hands, and anything they did say or do could only hurt them. The chances of a lawsuit are very high. Anything action Dodgers took that could be argued prejudiced the outcome of the administrative process creates legal vulnerabilities for them that they don’t otherwise have. So they are wisely and well-advised by their lawyers to stay out if it, completely. They’ve deferred to the commissioner because that’s exactly how the process works. Nothing else can be read into it.
BTW the article contains a bit of misinformation that’s been repeated here several times now. I have never seen any reporting the appeals panel decision will be handed down next month. The reporting I have seen is that it probably won’t be this month. So that’s all we actually know. It could happen any time.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
Bad wording. Bauer’s appeal. If the Dodgers lose in the sense they’d have to pay him (I guess, in other words, Bauer wins his appeal with MLB).
Now that you mention it, the Dodgers do tend to play things pretty close to the chest, and that’s for your typical run-of-the-mill trade rumor! I imagine the players have been instructed to say as little as possible, as all I can recall are Muncy and Buehler (I believe) speaking in Friedman mannerisms when asked about it.
Yes, I do think they’re overblown. It’s reporting from the L.A. Times. Check that. It’s the L.A. Times and their sports “pundits.” From what I remember, it was all very super-vauge wording, even for the Times.
No doubt it’s wise to stay out of it. And I’m not saying they should have taken an immediate public stance on it and definitely not acted upon it. That would’ve just been premature. I’m just saying, someone somewhere must’ve said something. It’s very hard nowadays to keep a lid on things, but again, everything said that I can recall has been very general presser stuff. Props to them then, for keeping things in-house. Which again, only further makes me dubious about the Times article.
And yes. This is the only place I’ve read that says the appeal panel might decide this month. I imagine it won’t be until the end of January at the earliest.
BlueSkies_LA
The lawyers are all over this for sure, and they are calling the shots as far as how the Dodgers are handling it. I read the LA Times. One of their sportswriters (don’t remember which one) was calling for the Dodgers to release him pretty much the moment the story broke. That was bad advice the Dodgers were sure not to follow.
Personally I believe the suspension will be upheld. The appeal panels are three members, one chosen by the owners, one by the union, and one independent selected by both. The independent is there in effect to break ties when the players and owners disagree. But right now I don’t see any daylight between the players and owners on this issue or any reason why they’d overturn or even reduce the suspension. They are both vested in the policy, and any lack of commitment to it will only work in Bauer’s favor in the inevitable lawsuit to follow.
CommentsSectionCommenter
There’s no way Trevor Bauer ever throws another pitch for the Dodgers. They would be (rightfully) destroyed in the court of public opinion, and there’s just no way that front office compounds the horrible mistake it was to sign an already-notably garbage human by trotting him back out there.
One good thing about being an super-rich club means that it can survive such high-priced mistakes, and so it will.
And BlueSkies is absolutely right: The Dodgers were doing the wise thing (and the only thing the situation called for) by saying nothing, given their potential exposure to the legal proceedings sure to follow the arbitrator’s ruling.
BlueSkies_LA
I’d be shocked if he threw another pitch for any major league team. It didn’t have to work out this way. Had he acknowledged his lapse of judgement and agreed to serve a negotiated (and probably shorter) suspension, he might have rehabilitated his image enough for some team to take a chance on him. Many other players have taken their medicine and made a comeback. Hard to imagine that happening for Bauer.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
I really don’t think he’s the answer for Boston. Don’t wanna overpay him.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Dodgers should sign Swanson and Segura. Play Segura at 3B, Swanson at SS, Lux at 2B and Muncy at 1B. Taylor can fill in all over the place or wherever he’s needed most. I prefer to keep Mookie Betts in the outfield.
Maybe LA doesn’t win as many games this year as last year, but they are still a threat (And a good bet I may add.) to win 100 games. Still the class of the NL West, if not the entire NL.
JerseyShoreScore
Where does Freddie Freeman play?
PasstheTums
I am sure AA likes Dansby personally and on some level wants to bring him back, but I don’t think it will happen. Dansby is great defensively (what a great time to win a Gold Glove), is a team leader, and is popular in Atlanta. He is good, not great, offensively, and Atlanta has an in-house replacement who deserves a chance to play.
Over two minor league levels (A+ and AA) and MLB in 2022, Vaughn Grissom accumulated the following stats: 137 games, 530 AB, 167 H, 19 HR, 96 R, 85 RBI, 47 BB, 88 SO, 32 SB, .315 AVG. Swanson’s 2022 stats: 162 games, 640 AB, 177 H, 25 HR, 99 R, 96 RBI, 49 BB, 182 SO, 18 SB, .277 AVG.
At the major league level (41 games for Grissom), Grissom had a .353 OBP, .440 SLG, and 121 wRC+. Swanson had a .329 OBP (greatly affected by the huge number of strikeouts), .447 SLG, and 116 wRC+.
Swanson turns 29 in February and is looking for a contract of 6 or more years at $20 million or more per season. Grissom turns 22 in January and will make the league minimum. Grissom played over 70 games at shortstop in the minor leagues in 2022, so the Braves have a good idea of whether or not he can handle the position. Also, since Dansby turned down the qualifying offer, the Braves will get an additional draft pick if he goes elsewhere. The Braves may decide that the money they save by not signing Dansby can be better spent addressing other club needs like the outfield and player extensions (Max Fried comes to mind).
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
I just read an article that said it’s basically down to the Cubs and Braves for Dansby. Dansby just got married in Georgia a week ago and I think that if the Cubs make a offer then he goes to the Braves and asks how close they will come. If it’s anywhere close I think Dansby resigns with Atlanta. Cubs are going no where fast and Atlanta will be great for years. Dansby wants to win games he a competitive guy.
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
Responding to my previous comment turns out I was wrong. So long Dansby. I hope you remember what the playoffs were like…
Jack Buckley
Tom Rickets, owner of the Cubs know Wrigley will be packed no matter what, he spends all his profit on building up Wrigleyville rather than the team, Cub fans are not happy
fenwayfrank
Would LOVE him on the Sox. I know it’s a long shot, but Story won’t cut it at SS. Chaim has really stripped this team, Signing Dansby would do well to start their return to relavance.