Cubs two-time Gold Glover could be showing signs of 'palpable decline'

The Chicago Cubs have a $177 million problem on their hands.

That’s the amount of money two-time Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson is getting paid by Chicago over seven years, dating back to the inking of the deal in December 2022.

The issue for the Cubs is not the cash itself, but rather that Swanson hasn’t produced near the level that that money indicates.

Swanson’s fielding is never an issue, but his bat has been ice-cold for much of 2024. Entering Saturday, he was slashing .228/ .297/ .350 on the year with nine homers and 41 RBIs.

Is the 30-year-old on the decline, or is 2024 just an outlier at the plate for the two-time All-Star and 2021 World Series champion?

Swanson’s season has some wondering whether it’s too early to spell an end to his prime. Writing for Bleacher Report, Zachary Rymer released a piece on Saturday entitled, “The Biggest Red Flag for Every MLB Team Right Now”, featuring Swanson as the Cubs’ red flag.

“Though the Cubs are technically still in the NL wild-card race, their chances of making the playoffs are a mere 4.4 percent,” Rymer said. “So, let's make like Jed Hoyer and look to 2025.”

“The Cubs do have reasons to believe they can make a better run at October next season, but one of them is predicated on their $177 million shortstop having a rebound year. And to this end, it's not merely Swanson's .648 OPS that gives off palpable decline energy.”

Chicago was 60-63 entering Saturday with their playoff hopes teetering on the edge of evaporation. 2024 already feels like a lost cause for the Cubs.

One thing’s clear: Swanson will have to bounce back in 2025 if he and the Cubs want to salvage things at Wrigley Field.

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