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. He previously played for the Atlanta Braves before joining the Cubs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Braves Last World Series Win Before 2021

In 1995, was the last time the Braves won the World Series, before their victory in 2021.

2012: Drafted by Colorado Rockies, opted for college

In 2012, Dansby Swanson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the MLB Draft but chose to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores instead.

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 for Vanderbilt.

2014: Consecutive Starts

Between 2014 and 2015, Dansby Swanson made 117 consecutive starts for Vanderbilt before missing the April 28 game in 2015.

2014: Starting Second Baseman & College World Series Champion

In 2014, Dansby Swanson became Vanderbilt's starting second baseman and hit his first collegiate home run. He also helped Vanderbilt win their first ever national championship, and was named the CWS Most Outstanding Player.

2014: College World Series Most Outstanding Player

In 2014, Dansby Swanson was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player after 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, going 0-for-2 with two strikeouts, a walk, and a run.

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: Moved to Shortstop & Award Finalist

In 2015, Dansby Swanson moved to shortstop, and he was named to the All-SEC Second Team. He was also a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, but he ultimately won the Brooks Wallace Award.

2015: SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament

In 2015, Dansby Swanson tied SEC Tournament single-game records with two home runs. Vanderbilt finished second in the SEC Tournament and reached the CWS finals but lost to Virginia.

2015: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

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

2015: Brooks Wallace Award

In 2015, Dansby Swanson won the Brooks Wallace Award, which is given to the best collegiate baseball player at the shortstop position.

August 2016: MLB Debut

In August 2016, Dansby Swanson made his MLB debut for the Atlanta Braves.

August 16, 2016: MLB Debut

On August 16, 2016, Dansby Swanson was called up to Atlanta and made his MLB debut. He recorded his first two major league hits in a game against the Minnesota Twins.

2017: Sophomore Slump and Demotion

In 2017, Dansby Swanson made the Braves' Opening Day roster as the only rookie but experienced a sophomore slump, leading to his demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers in July. He was later called back up in August due to an injury to Johan Camargo.

2017: Braves Opening Day Roster

In 2017, Dansby Swanson was the only Atlanta Braves rookie named to the team's Opening Day roster. He was later sent back to Triple-A in July due to offensive and defensive struggles.

September 25, 2018: Swanson leaves game with wrist pain

On September 25, 2018, Dansby Swanson left a game against the New York Mets in the second inning due to wrist pain. It was later revealed he had a partially torn ligament in his left hand, which ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season.

2018: Wrist Injury and Multi-Home Run Game

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

January 10, 2020: Swanson agrees to contract extension with the 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 achieved a career-high batting average of .274, and his 49 runs scored were third in MLB.

September 30, 2021: Braves clinch NL East title

On September 30, 2021, the Braves clinched the NL East title for the fourth consecutive season, with Swanson contributing significantly with two doubles, a home run, and five RBI in the last six games leading up to the clinching game.