After months of frustration with shortstop Dansby Swanson, the Chicago Cubs have been given a bit of hope over the last two weeks. Swanson is 6/18 through the first week of July and collected five hits in his two final June games. No question, it appears that the infielder has turned the corner and is back to being a viable option at the plate. With this in mind, the Cubs should begin to explore whether or not there is a trade market that would push the franchise away from what is clearly a regrettable contract.
Forget the postseason standings and the questions at shortstop, and realize that there is objectively little chance Swanson comes anywhere close to living up to the contract. It has already been a clear source of frustration, and this recent hot streak doesn't wipe away months of inconsistency. What it does provide is a clear chance for the Cubs to look around the league and see if there is any team willing to gamble on the infielder.
One potential landing spot that stands out is the Atlanta Braves, as the franchise has had four different starting shortstops this season and has a history with Swanson. Still, it is unlikely that Chicago is going to be able to find a team willing to take on the remaining years of the deal and do so without some major cost to the Cubs.
Cubs Should Utilize Dansby Swanson's Recent Hot Streak in an Attempt to Move Awful Contract
It is important to note that in no way is this meant to suggest that trading away Swanson is a done deal. In truth, it would be a surprise to find a team willing to take on the contract even in the midst of the infielder's recent surge. This points to why finding a way out of the deal should be on the team's priority list over the next weeks of the season.
Even if this means taking on another bad contract that is for shorter terms, it makes sense for the Cubs to explore. The franchise badly needs to open up future salary space to make a handful of needed improvements and give the franchise a chance at making a deep October run.
All of this adds up to the Cubs utilizing the next three weeks to explore every possible fit and see if there is any team willing to take on the deal. Even if it hurts the Cubs in the short term, it brightens the future and takes away an undeniable frustration.
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