Craig Counsell makes Dansby Swanson decision amid his brutal season

It’s been an up-and-down season for the Chicago Cubs. That dynamic is particularly evident with the performance of second baseman Dansby Swanson. He’s been struggling at the plate, but compensates with a strong showing on defense.

Nevertheless, Cubs manager Craig Counsell made it official that Swanson will be taking some days off, per Bruce LeVine, WSCR-AM/670 The Score. Counsell clarified that Swanson is not battling injuries at this point.

“ He’s healthy,” Counsell said.

Swanson is batting .180 with 37 hits, 7 home runs, 28 RBIs, and an OBP of .285. In May, Swanson hit only .151 and had an OBP of .233. Thus, making this the lowest offensive-production month of his career since 2017. He has also struggled in generating runs with runners in scoring position.

Meanwhile, pitchers have made it a point to use breaking balls, low and away, to throw off Swanson at the plate.

Nevertheless, Swanson has remained strong in the infield. He is currently averaging 7 outs above average and has a 98% fielding average. Swanson is also in the 94th percentile when it comes to fielding run value.

Altogether, Swanson’s season is a far cry from 2025. He finished the year batting .244 with 144 hits, 24 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 84 runs scored. The Cubs went on to end the year at 92-70 and secured a Wild Card berth in their first postseason appearance since 2020.

Swanson batted .154 with four hits and an RBI, but was still productive on defense.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are in the midst of a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at home. Nico Hoerner will transition over to shortstop, and 22-year-old Pedro Ramirez will take over for Swanson at second base.

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