Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits an rbi ground out during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
The first overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt – Dansby Swanson, is officially a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He remained unsigned all the way down to the final few moments of the July 17th deadline, before inking the dotted line just in time.
The 2015 National Player of the Year finalist was given the sixth highest rookie signing bonus in league history at $6.5 million dollars. Only Steven Strasburg, Kris Bryant, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Bubba Starling received more on their initial deals.
Throughout his three years at Vandy, Swanson batted .330, .418 and .541. He put up 52 doubles, 18 home runs, 39 steals, 84 walks and struck out 108 times in 154 games. He was also the named Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series, where the Commodores won their first ever national title.
Arizona will likely miss the postseason yet again, but given the current MLB futures for the team (+8,000) to take the World Series, it is safe to assume there will be a few more high picks in their future.
First and foremost though, the Diamondbacks have to address their pitching. The team is currently sitting second in the majors for home runs given (PHI – 105, AZ 103) and in the bottom ten for ERA. Fortunately for Arizona the 2016 draft is packed with pitchers, with at least seven slated to go in the top ten of most mock drafts.
The team has built its core through the draft and Swanson is the latest addition to a long, studded, growing roster. The team is led by Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and three-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt at first base – a former Arizona eighth-rounder in 2009.
Their 2012 sixth-rounder and former college star Jake Lamb is beginning to fit in nicely at third, while their 2009 first-rounder Chris Owings at second base is currently enjoying his best season yet.
Add in some bullpen help in 2016, and the D-Backs should be a well-oiled, home grown machine looking for playoff success again the not so distant future.
