With a need at shortstop, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson and Trea Turner at various points throughout the offseason.
The Dodgers had interest in re-signing Turner, but he appeared intent on returning to the East Coast and wound up receiving an 11-year, $300 million contract from the Philadelphia Phillies.
That seemingly raised the floor for Bogaerts, who signed with the San Diego Padres for 11 years and $280 million. Correa followed by signing a 13-year, $350 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.
Now Swanson presides over the market as the best shortstop available and with several clubs reportedly interested.
According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, Freddie Freeman has lobbied for the Dodgers to sign Swanson:
Freddie Freeman, who is one of Swanson’s closest friends in the league, has also been making a push.
Although the Dodgers continue to be linked to Swanson, the probability of signing the 28 year old does not appear to be high. Moves L.A. has made thus far suggest they are focused on remaining below the luxury tax threshold for the 2023 season in order to reset their penalties.
Furthermore, because Swanson rejected the $19.65 million qualifying offer from the Atlanta Braves, the Dodgers would lose their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2023 MLB Draft, in addition to $1 million from their international bonus pool for the upcoming signing period should they add him.
Prior to the trio of marquee shortstops receiving their respective megadeals, Swanson was projected to sign a contract of six years and an estimated $150 million. It now stands to reason Swanson can command a contract of at least seven or eight years, and minimum of $200 million.
Although he is viewed by many as being a tier below Bogaerts, Correa and Turner, Swanson has the advantage in terms of durability and is coming off a season in which he set career highs in RBI (96), stolen bases (18) and games played (162).
Some view the Cubs as the biggest threat to sign Swanson away from the Braves due to his wife, Mallory, being a professional soccer player for the Chicago Red Stars.
Dodgers signing Dansby Swanson would be similar to Freeman
If the Dodgers pulled off a surprise and signed Swanson, it would represent a similar outcome to Freeman unexpectedly landing in L.A.
Like with Freeman, the Braves weren’t successful in signing Swanson to a contract extension before free agency, and they again appear to be taking a less-than-aggressive-approach to keep their 2021 World Series champion.
Freeman recently attended Swanson’s wedding and shares a close friendship with him.
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