The underrated aspect of Dansby Swanson’s game that is going unnoticed in 2026
Since Dansby Swanson arrived in Chicago, Cubs fans have been hoping for more from their seven-year, $177 million investment. During his final seasons with the Atlanta Braves, the power-hitting shortstop launched 25 and 27 home runs while driving in 88 and 96 runs, respectively. Since 2023, however, his production has dipped, topping out at single season highs of 24 home runs and 77 RBIs.
To begin the 2026 season, Swanson has found some success with the long ball, ranking second on the Cubs with six home runs. However, a low batting average of .202 still leaves plenty to be desired. One under-the-radar aspect of his game this year, though, is his improved plate discipline as he’s drawing walks at a career-best rate and consistently seeing a high number of pitches per plate appearance, making him far from an easy out even while hitting near the bottom of the order.
Despite hitting near the bottom of the order, Swanson is doing his part to deepen the Cubs lineup by refusing to give away at-bats. He’s averaging 4.24 pitches per plate appearance this season, ranking 19th in MLB, and that approach has translated into more walks, currently at a career-best 15.3% rate. His 21 walks on the year is second best in the Cubs lineup.
These improvements are no accident. Swanson has taken a more selective approach at the plate, with his first-pitch swing rate down nine percent from his career average. Overall, he’s swinging at just 42% of pitches, also a a career low. That added patience has led to longer at-bats and increased walk totals, a valuable trait for any contending team looking to get more production from the bottom of its lineup.
If this approach holds, Swanson’s impact will extend well beyond traditional counting stats. By grinding out at-bats, wearing down pitchers, and consistently getting on base, he’s helping set the table for the top of the Chicago Cubs lineup while adding balance throughout the order. The batting average, power, and runs batted in numbers may still fluctuate, but this more disciplined version of Swanson gives Chicago something just as valuable: reliability and resistance in every plate appearance.
The post The underrated aspect of Dansby Swanson’s game that is going unnoticed in 2026 appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-dansby-swanson-walks-seeing-more-pitches-2026/
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