Career Timeline of Dansby Swanson: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2026

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. Drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015, he previously played for the Atlanta Braves. He is a prominent figure in Major League Baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Drafted by Colorado Rockies

In 2012, Dansby Swanson was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the MLB draft but chose to play college baseball at Vanderbilt.

2012: Declines Rockies Offer

In 2012, Dansby Swanson was selected in the 38th round of the MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies but opted to play college baseball instead.

2014: Starting Second Baseman

In 2014, Dansby Swanson became the Commodores' starting second baseman and he also hit his first collegiate home run in February. Swanson finished the regular SEC season with a team-leading .366 batting average.

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 debut with the Low-A Hillsboro Hops.

December 9, 2015: Trade to Atlanta Braves

On December 9, 2015, Dansby Swanson was traded to the Atlanta Braves by the Diamondbacks.

2015: Joins Diamondbacks

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

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 the 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 with the Braves.

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 against the Mets

On September 25, 2018, Dansby Swanson left a game against the New York Mets due to wrist pain, which was later diagnosed as a partially torn ligament in his left hand, causing him to miss the rest of the regular season.

2020: Career-High Batting Average

In 2020, Dansby Swanson achieved a career-high .274 batting average, with 49 runs scored, which was third in MLB.

September 30, 2021: Braves clinch NL East

On September 30, 2021, the Braves clinched the NL East title for the fourth consecutive season, with a 5–3 victory over the Phillies. Swanson played a key role in the process, contributing with two doubles, a home run, and five RBI in the six games leading up to clinching the title.