Full Breakdown
Dansby Swanson's Offseason Transformation: A Shift in Approach
3/6/2026, 1:10:35 PM
Core Event: Swanson's New Hitting Philosophy
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has undergone a significant transformation in his approach to hitting during the offseason, moving away from a mechanical focus to prioritize natural movement and athleticism. This shift comes after a season where he felt unsatisfied with his performance, prompting him to seek a new perspective on his offensive game.
Background & Context: Previous Performance
In the 2022 season, Swanson's offensive production was measured at a wRC+ of 99, indicating he was an average hitter. This was an improvement over his previous season's performance of 97, but a decline from his first year with the Cubs, where he achieved a wRC+ of 105, and his final season with the Atlanta Braves, which saw a wRC+ of 117. The dissatisfaction with his performance led Swanson to reevaluate his training methods.
Swanson's New Approach: Emphasizing Natural Movement
Swanson's offseason strategy involved a departure from traditional drills that he felt had become counterproductive. He described his previous reliance on drills as having "gone too far in one direction," leading him to focus instead on efficient movement and trusting his natural abilities. “I just hit,” Swanson stated, emphasizing a more instinctual approach to batting. He also explored his movement patterns beyond just swinging, including how he positions himself in the batter's box.
Coaching Insights: Support from Staff
Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly has supported Swanson's new philosophy, linking it to his defensive skills. Swanson, a two-time Gold Glove winner, approaches defense with a natural rhythm that Kelly aims to replicate in his batting practice. “He doesn’t think about any mechanics on defense,” Kelly noted, highlighting the importance of flow and instinct in both hitting and fielding.
Early Results: Promising Performance in Spring Training
Early indications from the Cactus League games suggest that Swanson's new approach is yielding positive results. He has recorded an impressive OPS of 1.600 over four games, including a notable opposite-field home run. Swanson expressed a newfound clarity and confidence in his abilities, stating, “I feel like I have a little bit more understanding and belief in what I’m doing.”
Criticism & Opposition: Skepticism on Methodology
While Swanson's shift has been met with optimism, some skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of abandoning drills entirely. Critics may argue that a balance between mechanical training and natural movement is essential for sustained success in a competitive environment.
What's Next: Monitoring Progress
As the regular season approaches, the Cubs will closely monitor Swanson's performance to assess the long-term viability of his new hitting philosophy. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated as he faces the challenges of the major leagues, where consistency is crucial for success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t fully know exactly what way that was,” he said in a recent conversation with the Sun-Times.” — Dansby Swanson, Cubs Shortstop
- “One of the things that baseball players and the industry always struggle with is, how do we practice?” — Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager
- “As silly as that sounds, I just hit.” — Dansby Swanson, Cubs Shortstop
- “He doesn’t think about any mechanics on defense,” — Dustin Kelly, Cubs Hitting Coach
Swanson's offseason overhaul represents a significant pivot in his career, with the potential to impact his performance in the upcoming season.
