On Saturday, Dansby Swanson became the last big name free agent taken off the board as he reportedly agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs.
Thanks for everything. @LieutenantDans7 pic.twitter.com/jpsEeAyGDK
— Leslie Mines (@LeslieMinesIII) December 17, 2022
While the Cubs have supposedly been in on a lot of players, they finally got their big signing.
However, many fans took to social media with different takes on the move.
Here is a look at how the league is reacting to the news.
Fans Critiquing Swanson Signing
Many Atlanta Braves fans took to Twitter to express their sadness at Swanson leaving.
The franchise is losing a cornerstone of their World Series team, and will now have a big hole to replace at shortstop
Despite this, some fans are criticizing the Cubs for overpaying Swanson.
Couple of things. Dansby Swanson wasn’t worth $25M unless it was a contract of 4 years or less. Dansby Swanson wasn’t worth more than 6 years. The Cubs over paid and now Dansby Swanson gets to play pointless baseball for the next 7 years. Oh, you have a plan. Everyone breathe.
— Beaneater Buzz (@BeaneaterB) December 17, 2022
While he played very well in 2022, it was the best season of his career and fans are unsure if he can replicate it over a seven-year contract.
It is especially surprising he is set to make more money than former teammate Freddie Freeman.
Regardless, the Braves now have their shortstop of the future that they can build around.
Big Move For Cubs
The signing is a message from the Cubs: they are looking to turn around their rebuild.
After trading off the core of their talent from the 2016 World Series, the franchise has largely been left with scraps.
Now, Swanson gives them a recognizable face to speed their rebuild up.
He will be placed at the top of the order to give the team a dynamic bat, blending speed with stellar defense.
Thanks for the memories @LieutenantDans7. Best of luck in Chicago. You’ll always be a championpic.twitter.com/hXXxEqiAc0
—Matt (@WizardOfLoz) December 18, 2022
If he can perform at the same level he did in 2022, then the contract will more than pay off down the road.
The Cubs also likely see the next couple of years as an opportunity.
While the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are solid teams, they aren’t necessarily running away with the division.
This could allow the Cubs to sneak in, especially if they build off this move for Swanson.
