Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson has developed an “ironman” reputation, and deservedly so.
If there is a game to be played, he goes out there, puts on his uniform, and takes the field.
With some excellent injury luck, a great work ethic and obviously a lot of talent, Swanson is the only player in MLB to start all 162 games for his team this year.
“Swanson exits after getting his one at-bat. Swanson and Olson will be the only MLB players to play 162 games this year and Swanson is the only one to make 162 starts,” Braves insider Mark Bowman tweeted.
Swanson exits after getting his one at-bat.Swanson and Olson will the only MLB players to play 162 games this year and Swanson is the only one to make 162 starts.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) October 5, 2022
Durability is not the only requirement to play the full 162 games: talent and skill are perhaps even more important because, at the end of the day, it’s what puts people in lineups.
An Underrated Star
And Swanson has a lot of talent.
A former number one draft pick in 2015, he is often overlooked in discussions about the most complete shortstops, but the truth is that his blend of offense and defense is elite.
Swanson just had the best season of his career: with a .277/.329/.448 line, 25 home runs and 96 RBI, he achieved a 6.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) output, his highest mark yet.
He also scored 99 runs and stole 18 bases, but not only that, but he also played phenomenal defense as usual.
His 116 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) indicates that he is a well-above average offensive performer, because 100 is considered average.
To sum up, Swanson can do it all: he has a very good, powerful bat, an elite glove, and some sneaky speed.
He is actually one of the unsung heroes behind the 2021 World Series title and the 2022 NL East crown.
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