A Cubsmas Advent Calendar: Three Gold Gloves

This is Day 13 of a Cubsmas Advent Calendar. You can read the explanation for the project and Day One here.

When the Cubs signed Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million deal last offseason they were essentially upgrading their middle infield defense. The signing moved former shortstop Nico Hoerner to second base and put an elite defender at second base. Most importantly, it gave the Cubs two of the top 15 fielders in MLB by Outs Above Average up the middle heading into 2023:

That duo did not disappoint in 2023, with both Swanson and Nico again combining for 25 Outs Above Average, with Dansby moving into the MLB lead and Nico moving into the top 10:

Let’s take a look at some of Dansby Swanson’s defensive highlights from 2023 [VIDEO].