Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson faces mounting pressure as the club seeks an offensive spark before the All‑Star break, according to a May 27 analysis. The Sporting News report notes that Swanson’s .621 OPS sits at the bottom of a trio that includes Alex Bregman (.699 OPS) and rookie Pete Crow‑Armstrong (.768 OPS), prompting front‑office brass to wonder which two will reverse course.
Levi Weaver of Sporting News projects that two of the three will find consistency by mid‑season, while the third may continue to hamper the lineup. Swanson, the veteran guard, is the player fans should watch most closely.
What does the recent offensive outlook mean for the Cubs?
Weaver’s forecast rests on a blend of advanced metrics and recent performance trends. He points to Bregman’s .699 OPS and Crow‑Armstrong’s power surge last year—31 homers and a .768 OPS—as indicators that both possess the tools to lift Chicago’s run production. Swanson, however, lags behind with a .621 OPS, the lowest of the three, suggesting a lingering slump that could jeopardize the team’s climb.
Key details behind the predictions
The report highlights three core statistics: Bregman’s near‑700 OPS, Crow‑Armstrong’s career‑high slugging, and Swanson’s sub‑.650 OPS mark. Breaking down the numbers, Swanson’s wRC+ sits at 85, well below league average, while his strikeout rate has crept above 30%, a red flag for a player expected to drive the middle of the order. By contrast, Bregman’s BABIP rose to .340 in April, hinting at luck stabilizing, and Crow‑Armstrong posted a launch‑angle average of 14 degrees, optimal for extra‑base hits.
Key Developments
- Weaver predicts Bregman will sustain his .699 OPS through the All‑Star break, positioning him as one of the two likely turnarounds.
- Crow‑Armstrong’s 31 homers last season set a franchise‑record for a rookie, reinforcing his upside as a potential catalyst.
- Swanson’s .621 OPS ranks 28th among qualified hitters, making him the most vulnerable of the trio.
- The analysis suggests the Cubs’ coaching staff may adjust Swanson’s swing mechanics, aiming to raise his exit velocity above 88 mph.
- Weaver notes that if Swanson fails to improve, the Cubs could explore a trade before the July deadline, though no offers have surfaced yet.
Impact and what’s next for Chicago
If Bregman and Crow‑Armstrong deliver the projected upticks, the Cubs could climb into the NL Central’s top two spots, easing pressure on Swanson to produce. However, a continued slump from Swanson would likely force manager David Ross to shuffle the lineup, perhaps inserting a utility infielder or promoting a prospect from Triple‑A. The front office’s next move may hinge on whether Swanson’s OPS improves by the All‑Star break, a metric that will dominate Chicago’s roster discussions in July.
What is Dansby Swanson’s contract status for 2026?
Swanson is under a three‑year, $46 million extension signed in 2023, which runs through the 2025 season with a player option for 2026. The option must be exercised by October 1, 2025 (general MLB contract data).
How did Swanson perform in his rookie season with the Cubs?
In 2023, Swanson posted a .285 batting average, 18 home runs, and a .820 OPS, earning National League Rookie of the Month honors in June. Those numbers contrast sharply with his 2026 slump.
Which Cubs players are most likely to replace Swanson if he is traded?
Prospect infielder Javier Cruz, who hit .312 with a .845 OPS in Triple‑A Iowa, is the organization’s top internal candidate. The club also holds a trade buffer with two minor‑league shortstops on its 40‑man roster.
