Braves To Call Up Swanson

On Tuesday night, the Braves traded veteran shortstop Erick Aybar, a move that was long anticipated since Atlanta is in the middle of a significant rebuilding effort. As soon as the Aybar deal was finished, Atlanta followed up by announcing that Dansby Swanson, the team’s No. 1 prospect, and the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft, will be called up before Wednesday’s game.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Swanson’s arrival is more about the future than the present. Swanson’s production at Double-A offers no indication that he’s played his way out of the minors. Mississippi’s Trustmark Park is a very difficult stadium for home runs, but Swanson has slugged less than .400 in June, July and August. Swanson’s fellow Southeastern Conference cohort Alex Bregman dominated three levels before going 1-for-32 in the first eight big league games, offering a reminder of the crapshoot that comes with big league debuts and small sample sizes.

Swanson might not be fully ready for the big leagues, but his makeup should be able to handle being pushed. As far back as spring training, the Braves believed that getting Swanson some at-bats late this year could make it easier for him to be in the Opening Day lineup next year when the Braves open their new ballpark in Cobb County.

For now, Atlanta is again breaking up the Swanson/Ozzie Albies pairing. They had been working together at Double-A Mississippi with Swanson playing shortstop and Albies sliding over to second base. While Aybar’s departure left a gaping hole at shortstop, Jace Peterson’s presence gives Atlanta a serviceable second baseman. Peterson won’t stand in Albies’ way over the long-term, but he might slow Albies’ arrival over the final two months of the season.

SCOUTING REPORT

Swanson is a reliable defender with plenty of range to stick at shortstop. Offensively he projects as a plus hitter with 10-15 home run power. Swanson is more of a top-of-the-order hitter than a middle-of-the-lineup thumper, but his whole-field approach, loose hands and bat speed should allow him to hit for average. Scouts love his makeup, which should allow him to get the most out of his tools.

Swanson is a plus runner with the speed to steal 10-15 bases at the big league level.