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 Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015, he previously played for the Atlanta Braves. His career highlights include his time with the Braves and his current position with the Cubs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Declines Rockies Offer

In 2012, Dansby Swanson declined to sign with the Colorado Rockies after being drafted, choosing to play college baseball for Vanderbilt.

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 to play college baseball instead.

2014: Starting Second Baseman

In 2014, Dansby Swanson became the Commodores' starting second baseman as a sophomore, hitting his first collegiate home run on February 28. He finished the regular SEC season with a .366 batting average and was an All-SEC First Team selection. Vanderbilt won the College World Series, and Swanson was named the CWS Most Outstanding Player.

2014: College World Series MVP

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

August 13, 2015: Professional Debut

On August 13, 2015, Dansby Swanson made his professional baseball debut for the Hillsboro Hops, going 0-for-2.

December 9, 2015: Traded to Atlanta Braves

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

2015: Joins Diamondbacks

In 2015, Dansby Swanson left Vanderbilt to join the Diamondbacks and begin his professional career.

2015: Shift to Shortstop

In 2015, Dansby Swanson moved to shortstop for the Vanderbilt Commodores. He finished the regular season with a .347 batting average, earning All-SEC Second Team honors and being a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy. He also won the Brooks Wallace Award.

2015: Brooks Wallace Award Winner

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

2015: SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament

In 2015, Dansby Swanson tied SEC Tournament single-game records with two home runs against Missouri. Vanderbilt finished second in the SEC Tournament and lost to Virginia in the CWS finals after Swanson struggled in the NCAA tournament.

2015: Drafted First Overall and Professional Debut

In 2015, Dansby Swanson was drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks and signed for $6.5 million. On August 13, 2015, he made his professional debut with the Hillsboro Hops after recovering from a concussion sustained during a simulated game.

2015: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

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

August 2016: MLB Debut

In August 2016, Dansby Swanson made his MLB debut.

August 16, 2016: MLB Debut with Braves

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

2017: Struggles and Demotion

In 2017, Dansby Swanson began the season on the Braves' Opening Day roster but struggled both offensively and defensively, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers on July 27. He was later recalled on August 9 after an injury to Johan Camargo.

2017: Braves Opening Day Roster

In 2017, Dansby Swanson was the only Atlanta rookie named to the Braves' Opening Day roster.

September 25, 2018: Wrist Injury

On September 25, 2018, Dansby Swanson left a game against the New York Mets in the second inning due to wrist pain, which was later diagnosed as a partially torn ligament in his left hand. This injury sidelined him for the rest of the regular season and the 2018 National League Division Series (NLDS).

2018: Injuries and Multi-Home Run Game

In 2018, Dansby Swanson began the season strong but suffered a left wrist injury in April, leading to a stint on the disabled list. He had his first career multi-home run game in August against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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.

September 30, 2021: Braves Clinch NL East

On September 30, 2021, the Braves clinched the NL East for the fourth consecutive season with a 5–3 win over the Phillies, with Dansby Swanson playing an instrumental role.