A TO Z: D is for...

Dansby Swanson, part of this winter's stellar class of free agent shortstops.  Coming off his best season ever, the 2022 All Star and Gold Glove winner turns 29 over the winter.  Having grown up less than 30 miles from Atlanta, you'd think the Braves ownership (led by Liberty Media) would prioritize keeping the hometown star at home.  But then again, it didn't mind Atlanta fixture -- and 2021 World Series MVP -- Freddie Freeman signing with the Dodgers.
A surprising fact: despite his Georgia roots, Swanson wasn't drafted by the Braves.  Originally in the Diamondbacks organization, he was the key player in one of the most one-sided trades of the previous decade.  Arizona sent him along with centerfielder Ender Inciarte to Atlanta for a pitchers Shelby Miller and Gabe Speier.


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