Career Timeline of Dansby Swanson: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dansby Swanson made an impact.

James Dansby Swanson is a professional baseball shortstop currently playing for the Chicago Cubs in MLB. Previously, he played for the Atlanta Braves. He was drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2015 MLB Draft, marking a significant point in his career trajectory. Swanson's career is characterized by his performance as a shortstop at the major league level.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Drafted by Colorado Rockies

In 2012, Dansby Swanson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the MLB Draft, but chose not to sign, opting to play college baseball for Vanderbilt.

2012: Declined Rockies Offer

In 2012, despite being drafted by the Colorado Rockies, Dansby Swanson chose to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

2014: Starting Second Baseman

In 2014, Dansby Swanson became the Vanderbilt Commodores' starting second baseman and achieved numerous accolades, including being named the CWS Most Outstanding Player after Vanderbilt won their first national championship.

2014: Represents USA Baseball at Haarlem Baseball Week

In 2014, Dansby Swanson represented USA Baseball at Haarlem Baseball Week in the Netherlands, leading the team with a .458 batting average in his first six starts and winning a gold medal.

2014: College World Series Most Outstanding Player

In 2014, Dansby Swanson was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player, after his team, the Vanderbilt Commodores, won their first national championship.

August 13, 2015: Professional Debut

On August 13, 2015, Dansby Swanson made his professional debut for the Low-A Hillsboro Hops.

December 9, 2015: Traded to Atlanta Braves

On December 9, 2015, Dansby Swanson, along with Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair, was traded by the Diamondbacks to the Atlanta Braves for Shelby Miller and Gabe Speier.

2015: Moved to Shortstop

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was moved to shortstop for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

2015: Selected First Overall in MLB Draft

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was selected first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB Draft.

2015: MLB Draft and Signing

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was selected first overall in the MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and signed with the team on July 17 for a $6.5 million bonus. His debut was delayed due to injury, but he made his professional debut for the Low-A Hillsboro Hops on August 13, 2015.

2015: Brooks Wallace Award

In 2015, Dansby Swanson won the Brooks Wallace Award, recognizing him as the best collegiate baseball player at the shortstop position.

August 2016: MLB Debut

In August 2016, Dansby Swanson made his MLB debut.

August 16, 2016: Called up to Atlanta

On August 16, 2016, Dansby Swanson was called up to Atlanta and made his MLB debut, recording his first two major league hits.

2017: Opening Day Roster and Demotion

In 2017, Dansby Swanson made the Braves' Opening Day roster as the only rookie but was later demoted to Triple-A due to struggles before being called back up due to an injury.

2017: Braves Opening Day Roster

In 2017, Dansby Swanson was the only Atlanta rookie named to the Braves' Opening Day roster, but he struggled and was later sent to Triple-A.

January 10, 2020: Swanson Agrees to Contract Extension with Braves

On January 10, 2020, Dansby Swanson agreed to a one-year, $3.15 million contract extension with the Atlanta Braves.

2020: Career-High Batting Average

In 2020, Dansby Swanson set a career-high with a .274 batting average, and his 49 runs scored were third in MLB.

2021: World Series Title

In 2021, Dansby Swanson won a championship title in the World Series with the Braves, their first since 1995.

September 30, 2022: Swanson Hits 100th Career Home Run

On September 30, 2022, Dansby Swanson hit his 100th career home run off of New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom. Swanson was also the only player in Major League Baseball to start all 162 games of the season.