The Chicago Cubs are entering the new MLB season with high expectations, aiming to improve from last year’s disappointing postseason exit. Central to these hopes is shortstop Dansby Swanson, who has made notable adjustments to his offseason training routine that could elevate his performance. These changes have even drawn attention from Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who described them as “scary.”
Swanson’s Major Adjustments in Training Draw Attention
After the Milwaukee Brewers eliminated the Cubs in the National League Division Series last year, Swanson took a decidedly different approach during spring training. He revamped his work in the batting cage and changed his weight room regimen, signaling a serious commitment to improvement. Counsell noted,
“When you’ve had a lot of success in the league, changing up your training is scary a little bit. It just is. It seems like you have to, but it’s harder to do. I think it’s an acknowledgement that growth never stops and learning never stops.”
Swanson agreed the changes were essential, recognizing the need to adapt as he progresses in his career.
“I feel like I’m in a really good place,”
Swanson said.
“I feel like that’s the cliche of everyone after every offseason, but there’s just something that felt different about this one — and I’m not talking daughter-related. Just personally and career-wise, just some things started clicking a little differently than they have in years past.”
Swanson’s Drive to Elevate His Game
Although Swanson has been a valuable player for several seasons, he personally acknowledges that his recent performances have not met his own standards, particularly in the playoffs. Last season, he posted a .244 batting average with 24 home runs and 77 RBIs, but he struggled considerably in October, hitting just .154 with no homers and only one RBI. This fueled his motivation to change his approach.
“I feel like I just haven’t been what I’ve wanted to be over the last few years,”
Swanson admitted.
“And I felt like the best thing I could do is just kind of intentionally change things, whether it was how I was training or things I was doing in the cage. Things like that. Just really ultimately doing things to push myself to get better.”
Swanson remains optimistic about both his progression and the Cubs’ potential, expressing confidence that the team has the talent needed to contend for a World Series title.
Chicago’s Coaching Staff Observes Positive Results Early
As Cubs spring training continues, hitting coach Dustin Kelly has expressed enthusiasm for Swanson’s offseason efforts. Kelly highlighted the increased quality in Swanson’s contact and his ability to hit the ball harder than before, suggesting these improvements could translate to more power at the plate.
Kelly explained,
“He hits the ball hard. It’s, ‘How are we maximizing that?’ He’s going to hit homers. … There’s more meat on the bone when it comes to overall contact quality, so it’s, ‘How do we get you to a spot where you’re putting the ball in play in certain situations and allowing your natural ability and how hard you hit the ball [to take over]?’”
Swanson’s career high for home runs is 27, set in 2021, but with these changes underway, the Cubs and their fans hope he can surpass that mark in the upcoming season.
Implications for the Cubs’ 2024 Campaign
Swanson’s willingness to challenge his established routines and embrace new training methods signals his commitment to personal growth and the team’s success. Given his critical role at shortstop and the Cubs’ objective to overcome last season’s playoff disappointment, these offseason adjustments may be pivotal. If Swanson can harness the improvements acknowledged by the coaching staff and sustain them throughout the season, Chicago’s chances to advance deep into the postseason and contend for a championship will significantly increase.
