The Chicago Cubs have firmly established Dansby Swanson as their regular shortstop, a commitment made clear when they signed him to a seven-year, $177 million contract before the 2023 season. Despite some struggles with injuries and the demands of major league baseball, the 32-year-old veteran has remained a consistent presence in the Cubs’ infield, combining strong defensive skills with an average offensive output hovering around a .240 batting average over three seasons.
Although his power numbers improved last year, including a total of 24 home runs, Swanson has expressed dissatisfaction with his hitting performance, prompting him to rethink his approach during the recent offseason. His new focus on refining his “Dansby Swanson hitting approach” aims to enhance his contribution at the plate as the Cubs strive for deeper playoff success.
Adopting a More Fluid and Natural Style at the Plate
Instead of targeting specific mechanical flaws in his swing, Swanson has embraced a more instinctive and relaxed training regimen. His offseason work emphasizes movement, rhythm, and athleticism rather than rigid drills. This shift mirrors how he defends—relying on agility and natural flow to respond in real time without overthinking each play.
Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly explained this perspective to the Chicago Sun-Times:
“He doesn’t think about any mechanics on defense, It’s just a natural rhythm and flow. So we’re trying to bring some of that into his cage work.”
The initial results of this new method have been promising. During a limited stretch of spring training, Swanson posted an impressive OPS of 1.600, highlighted by a single to left field and an opposite-field home run to right during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
While it is still early in the season to definitively assess the effectiveness of this hitting overhaul, early signs indicate a positive trajectory.
Swanson’s Return to Natural Hitting Patterns
Reflecting on his change in practice habits, Swanson shared with the Sun-Times,
“That’s kind of the point that I’d gotten to, was, ‘You know what, I don’t really need a drill anymore,’”
followed by
“I need to get back to moving naturally, being a good athlete. The seesaw had gone too far in one direction, and it needed to reverse course a little bit.”
He further summarized this mindset simply by saying:
“As silly as that sounds, I just hit.”
Cubs manager Craig Counsell also weighed in on the shift, noting,
“We get into ruts in how we practice, And I think what Dansby’s saying is, he got into a little rut of how he was practicing his hitting and took some ownership of it and wanted to change from it. And I think it’s a positive change.”
Swanson’s new approach reflects both his self-awareness and dedication to improvement, qualities the Cubs hope will translate into consistent offensive contributions alongside his Gold Glove-level defense.
Impact on the Cubs’ Competitive Outlook and Long-Term Planning
As the Chicago Cubs prepare for a season laden with expectations, Swanson’s reliable defense and potential uptick in offensive production could prove vital. The team faces pressure to advance deeper into the playoffs, and Swanson’s leadership by example is expected to be a key factor in overcoming critical challenges during the campaign.
Beyond this season, Swanson’s importance is magnified by roster changes looming due to free agency departures. As one of the few core players firmly locked into the roster, he remains a foundational piece for the Cubs’ future planning and sustained competitiveness.
With his hitting approach evolving and early returns encouraging, Dansby Swanson’s progression will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it could shape both his legacy and the team’s trajectory in the years ahead.
