Dansby Swanson Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Be Ready for Spring Training

The Chicago Cubs announced that shortstop Dansby Swanson underwent surgery in early October to address a core injury. While it may come as a surprise that this news is being revealed two months later, the procedure was reportedly minor, and Swanson is expected to be fully ready for Spring Training in mid-February.


Aside from a brief stint on the 10-day injured list due to a knee sprain in May, Swanson had a seemingly healthy season, playing in 149 of the Cubs' 162 games. He posted a .242/.312/.390 batting line with 16 home runs over 593 plate appearances, resulting in a 99 wRC+ and a .148 Isolated Power (ISO), a slight decline from his previous .176 ISO over the past six seasons.


The core injury might explain some of Swanson's performance dips, although he seemed to improve as the 2024 season progressed. Swanson recorded a .632 OPS in 337 plate appearances during the first half of the season, which increased to a .795 OPS in 256 plate appearances after the All-Star break. His overall performance mirrored the inconsistency that several Cubs players experienced at the plate, contributing to the team's 83-79 record.


Swanson's surgery and subsequent recovery are key factors for the Cubs as they prepare for the upcoming season. His ability to rebound and maintain a consistent performance will be crucial for the team's success in 2025.