• Full name James Dansby Swanson
  • Born 02/11/1994 in Kennesaw, GA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Vanderbilt
  • Debut 08/17/2016
  • Drafted in the 1st round (1st overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015 (signed for $6,500,000).
    View Draft Report
    A two-time state champion as a basketball player in high school, Swanson didn't sign as a 38th-round pick of the Rockies in 2012. A broken foot and shoulder injury limited Swanson to just 11 games as a freshman at Vanderbilt. But he returned to full health as a sophomore and helped lead the Commodores to their first-ever national championship. He was named Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series and finished the summer with a strong showing for Team USA. Swanson again has produced at the plate this spring, but his most important development has been defensively. After playing second base as a sophomore, he has smoothly transitioned to shortstop for Vanderbilt. He has the athleticism, range and hands necessary for the position. Whether he has a true plus arm remains the subject of some debate, but scouts project he'll stay at shortstop as a professional. Swanson is a well-rounded hitter. He has a quick, loose swing that allows him to produce hard contact to all fields. He is a patient hitter who knows how to work a walk and has a sound two-strike approach. He has some pop in his bat, especially when he can turn on the ball but gears his swing more for hitting line drives. He is a plus runner and knows how to steal bases. Swanson earns praise for his makeup and work ethic.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Draft Prospects

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Scouting Reports

Career Transactions

  • Chicago Cubs activated SS Dansby Swanson from the 10-day injured list.
  • Chicago Cubs placed SS Dansby Swanson on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 6, 2023. Left heel contusion.

Download our app

Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone