Braves Bring Swanson Back Home — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

ATLANTA—The Braves opened a gaping hole at shortstop in November when they traded Gold Glover Andrelton Simmons to the Angels for pitching prospect Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis.

Atlanta filled that hole a month later—at least in the long term—by acquiring shortstop prospect Dansby Swanson, as well as big league outfielder Ender Inciarte and Triple-A righthander Aaron Blair, in the deal that sent Shelby Miller to the Diamondbacks.

A product of Marietta (Ga.) High in metro Atlanta, Swanson attended Vanderbilt and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft. The 22-year-old was well known to scouting director Brian Bridges and special assistant Roy Clark and fits every criteria the organization sought in building for the future.

“Both Roy and Brian had watched him for many years in both high school and college,” general manager John Coppolella said. “Our professional scouts and analytics department also liked him a lot and felt he could be an impact player at the major league level.

“Perhaps most importantly, and aside from the opinions of our people, was the importance we place on makeup and just knowing what kind of player and person we were getting—(he’s) a true winner in every sense of the word.”

Swanson signed for $6.5 million but was limited to 83 at-bats in his pro debut at short-season Hillsboro after getting hit in the face with a pitch during a simulated game. He wound up batting .289/.394/.482 with 11 extra-base hits in 22 games and helped lead the Hops to the Northwest League title.

The Braves believe Swanson can remain at shortstop for the long haul. An ideal No. 2 hitter, he possesses a well-rounded skill set and an advanced approach at the plate. He also has outstanding athleticism and natural leadership that should make him an ideal fit on a team building for the future.

Coppolella said Swanson is not on a specific timetable. He could begin 2016 at high Class A Carolina and finish Double-A Mississippi.

“We will let Dansby tell us when he’s ready,” Coppolella said. “Obviously we see him as a big part of our future.”

WIGWAM WISPS

• Third baseman Adonis Garcia turned in a strong winter-ball showing in the Venezuelan League by hitting .370/.430/.519 with 22 RBIs in 36 games with Magallanes.

• First baseman Joey Meneses returned to his native Mexico this winter and hit .271/.333/.370 with nine doubles, three home runs and 25 RBIs in 52 games with Culiacan.