Since the start of free agency the Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson and Trea Turner at various points during the offseason.
Though with Swanson, he was largely identified as a fallback option to Correa and Turner. Despite the Dodgers’ interest in re-signing Turner, he appeared intent on returning to the East Coast and joined the Philadelphia Phillies on an 11-year, $300 million contract.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers now are said to no longer be open to possibly signing Correa due to concern over how fans would react to adding a key member of the 2017 Houston Astros that electronically stole signs en route to winning the World Series.
That potentially could lead the Dodgers to signing Swanson, who remains a candidate for L.A., according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
Star free agent SS Dansby Swanson appears to be possibility for the Dodgers, where he could reunite with Freddie Freeman. Swanson, who married USWNT/Chicago Red Stars star Mallory Pugh Saturday, also has drawn interest from Cubs/others. Incumbent Braves remain stealthy or quiet.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2022
If the Dodgers don’t sign Swanson and have ruled out Correa, they wouldn’t be left to pursue any of the marquee shortstops who became available in free agency this offseason. Bogaerts completed a stunner by signing an 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres.
At 28 years old, Swanson is the same age as Correa, one year young than Turner and two years younger than Bogaerts. He wasn’t projected to sign as lucrative of a contract as his fellow shortstops, but free agency has produced unexpected spending by several clubs.
As one pillar of the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series roster, Swanson played every game this year while recording his highest full-season batting average (.277) and also setting career highs in RBI (96) and stolen bases (18).
In addition to L.A., the incumbent Braves, Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins reportedly have interest in Swanson.
Dodgers penalties to sign Dansby Swanson
Because Swanson rejected the $19.65 million qualifying offer for 2023 from the Braves, the Dodgers would lose their second- and fifth-highest selections in the 2023 MLB Draft, as well as $1 million from their international bonus pool for the upcoming signing period should they add him.
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