After being linked to nearly all four of the star free agent shortstops this winter, the Cubs nabbed the last one on the table, getting Dansby Swanson on a seven-year, $177 million deal.  The deal is expected to include a full no-trade clause.  Since the Braves had given Swanson a qualifying offer, the Cubs will lose their second-round draft pick and $500,000 in international free agent allocation.

Swanson, who will turn 29 prior to the start of the 2023 season, put together the best offensive season of his career last year.  He will push Nico Hoerner to second base, giving the Cubs a solid defense in the middle of the infield.  It also leaves Nick Madrigal, acquired from the White Sox in 2021, on the outside looking in.