MESA, Ariz. — Dansby Swanson left the Atlanta area where he grew up, the Braves team he helped lead to a World Series title and a corporation that has guaranteed $600 million in contract extensions to five employees within the last year. There were mixed feelings amid that split, plus the emotional weight of his wedding, honeymoon and the death of his grandfather this offseason. The Chicago Cubs made him an offer he couldn’t refuse: seven years, $177 million; a full no-trade clause; the city where his wife, Mallory, plays professional soccer; and the chance to be a face of the franchise at Wrigley Field.
Swanson didn’t hesitate when asked: Have there been any moments during spring training when you realized you made the right decision?
“I’ve believed that ever since Day 1,” Swanson said. “My wife and I prayed about it a lot. When that was answered, I haven’t regretted one ounce of it. I feel very convicted in being here. Chicago is where we felt led to be. I’ve learned to trust the big man’s plan more than my own. Every time I’ve had a big change in my life, it’s worked out for the better. Getting traded to Atlanta was an amazing thing for me. That’s how I met my wife. I just know that this is where we’re supposed to be.”
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