September 20, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) reacts while running off the field during halftime against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Braves mandatory credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
While Carlos Correa remains available, the Braves should avoid signing him to replace Dansby Swanson. There are better options at play.
Signing Dansby Swanson was never in Atlanta’s interest, as he was coming off a career high campaign offensively and was expected (by FanGraphs and more) to be a running back to base in 2023.
Swanson ended up signing the bag, if you will. Seven years and $177 million was about $77 million more than Atlanta was willing to spend. Alex Anthopoulos has a history of breaking up with their best free agents, especially if it is after their arbitration years. Atlanta has the majority of young starting players signed over the next half decade.
Swanson was an exception, as he did not accept the Braves’ initial offer. Last spring, Dansby declined a contract offer, although details of said extension were not disclosed. Based on his new deal with the Cubs, he made the right call.
Atlanta must move forward. But where should they look for their new stop shorts?
Braves substitutes Dansby Swanson: Not Carlos Correa
Atlanta has several internal replacements for Dansby Swanson, including 21-year-old Von Grissom. Replacing Swanson wouldn’t be that difficult, since wRC+ has been his career high and he should drop back to base.
Correa wants a long-term deal, much more than the $177 million signed by Swanson. 12 years and $315 million is out of the Braves’ price range, and they made that clear when they passed on Dansby. The trade to Shaun Murphy of the Athletics got them off to a great start. Korea is out of the question.
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