CHICAGO (670 The Score) – After signing a seven-year, $177-million contract in the offseason – the second-biggest deal in franchise history – Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson shined in his team debut Thursday, collecting three hits and playing strong defense in Chicago’s 4-0 win against Milwaukee at Wrigley Field on Opening Day.
"The best part of the day was the winning,” said Swanson, who played each of his first seven MLB seasons for the Braves. “Hearing ‘Go Cubs Go’ is a lot better when you are on the Cubs.”
Swanson’s strong performance was notable because he started 2-of-28 in Cactus League play before a strong finish to his spring. Swanson got the Cubs on the board with an RBI single in the third inning on a play in which Chicago scored a second run on a Milwaukee error. That ignited a four-run rally, which represented all the scoring on the day.
Amid Swanson’s struggles in the spring, the Cubs had few worries, with president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer saying, “I thought he handled spring training well.”
“He is a wonderful person to be around,” Hoyer said. “He is all about the right things and just wants to win and contribute to wins and good baseball being played here anyway possible. Those were the things we exactly wanted from him and the players we bring in and develop.”
Swanson lined out to deep center field in his first at-bat. After his RBI single in the third inning, he singled on a hard shot down the third-base line in the fifth inning. Swanson singled to center field in the seventh.
Needless to say, it was a memorable Cubs debut for Swanson.
“It was just an amazing day, an amazing city, organization,” Swanson said. “I couldn’t be more grateful to be here. I keep saying that over and over again because it’s just the truth.”
Swanson also reflected on his RBI single off Brewers ace Corbin Burnes to get the scoring started.
“Getting the hit in the moment, Corbin Burnes is a phenomenal pitcher, so in big opportunities, you have to be able to capitalize,” Swanson said. “At that point of the game, that was probably our best chance. We were able to string together some hits and make some things happen on the basepaths.
It was all very nice.”
Swanson admitted his confidence and patience was tested as he struggled early in spring training, but he knew what his track record was and relied on his faith.
“There have been some challenges along the way,” Swanson said. “The person I leaned on the most is the person who married my wife and I. We are Bible study friends, and he came out to Arizona and talked a little about where my values actually lie. It was about staying true to who I am and keeping my identity wrapped up in the things that matter. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in a contract, trying to prove your worth. For me, it's just about living out my own truths, staying true to who I am and what I truly think I am. The money part is a blessing, but at the end of the day, what is most important is living on who I am called to be and putting out the best performance I can for this organization.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.