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. He was drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015. Prior to joining the Cubs, he played for the Atlanta Braves. Swanson is a well-known figure in professional baseball.

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 he chose not to sign, opting to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores instead.

2012: Declines Rockies Offer

In 2012, despite being drafted by the Colorado Rockies, Swanson opted to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores, honoring his commitment.

2014: Starting Second Baseman

After Tony Kemp left Vanderbilt, in 2014 Swanson became the Commodores' starting second baseman. He finished the regular SEC season with a team-leading .366 batting average. Vanderbilt ultimately won the College World Series, with Swanson named the CWS Most Outstanding Player.

2014: College World Series Champion

In 2014, Dansby Swanson's Vanderbilt Commodores won their first-ever national championship, and Swanson was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player.

August 13, 2015: Professional Debut

On August 13, 2015, Dansby Swanson made his professional debut for the Low-A 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: Moves to Shortstop

Going into the 2015 college baseball season, Dansby Swanson moved to shortstop. He finished the regular season with a .347 batting average and was named to the All-SEC Second Team. He won the Brooks Wallace Award.

2015: Joins Diamondbacks

In 2015, Dansby Swanson left Vanderbilt and began his professional baseball career with the Diamondbacks.

2015: Brooks Wallace Award

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

2015: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

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

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: 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, thus ending his regular season.

January 10, 2020: Contract Extension with the Braves

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

2021: World Series Champion

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

September 30, 2022: 100th Career Home Run and Gold Glove Award

On September 30, 2022, Dansby Swanson hit his 100th career home run against Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets. At the end of the season, Swanson won his first Gold Glove Award.