NEWSLETTER
Today, the Chicago Cubs officially announced the Dansby Swanson signing, and held a press conference to do the whole jersey-presentation thing. Swanson is officially a member of the Cubs, having signed a seven-year, $177 million deal.
I think it’s worth starting with this very personal story about why the Cubs meant a lot to him, why the timing was so important, and why he wants to win a championship with the Cubs, specifically:
That sure is a pretty touching way to introduce Swanson as a member of the Cubs organization, and his story, while particular to him in many important ways, is going to resonate with so many of us who also came home from school to find a Cubs game on TV. This sport, and this team, and this organization … it CAN mean so much to people. I think sometimes we forget that. It doesn’t mean the Cubs are perfect, or that every individual associated with the organization is right all the time, but I think it’s OK to feel an emotional connection to all of this.
There is also the personal connection to the city that Swanson now shares with his wife:
Here is the full press conference if you wanted to watch and or flick around for the big moments:
As you would expect from a presser like this, plenty of obligatory positive vibes about Wrigley Field and about Cubs fans:
A whole lot of talk about winning from Swanson today:
Swanson is ready to get that middle infield work going, integrating with his new double-play partner:
Also, here are the contract particulars on Swanson, whose deal otherwise comes at an annual $25.3M AAV:
