Dansby Swanson’s Heartfelt Cubs Ode: “Dang Good Year” Reflects Grit, Growth, and Wrigley’s Unyielding Love.vc

Chicago, October 28, 2025 – The Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season ended in a bittersweet 92-70 crescendo: a triumphant NLDS berth—best since 2017—cut short by a crushing Game 5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Amid the sting, shortstop Dansby Swanson, the $177 million linchpin, bared his soul in an October 27 Instagram post that lit up Wrigleyville. “Chicago. It was a dang good year,” he wrote. “We reached heights we haven’t gotten to in far too long. We got better, we grew, we represented what it means to be a Cub.” Accompanied by five photos—champagne-soaked celebrations, a road-gray pose, and a leaping throw over Manny Machado—the post, liked 50K times, wasn’t about his .244 average or 24 homers. It was a love letter to fans who filled Wrigley through rain and ruin, a vow that “pain makes triumphs sweeter.” As the Cubs eye 2026 with Cade Horton’s rise and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s 30-30 flair, Swanson’s words spark hope: Is this the leader to end Chicago’s drought?

A Season of Heights and Heartaches

The Cubs’ 2025 was a rollercoaster. A 92-70 record marked their best since 2017, fueled by Crow-Armstrong’s 31 HRs, 35 SBs, and rookie Drew Pomeranz’s 2.89 ERA resurgence. The NL Wild Card sweep over the Padres electrified Wrigley, but Milwaukee’s NLDS knockout—Swanson’s .154 postseason average stung—left a void. His regular season, per the sports card above, showed 159 games, .244/.300/.417, 24 HRs, 77 RBIs, and 20 SBs, solid but below his 2022 Braves peak (.277/.329/.447). Offseason wrist surgery didn’t deliver the hoped-for pop, and a baserunning miscue (overturned infield single vs. Cardinals) drew scrutiny.

Yet, Swanson’s intangibles shone. “He’s the heartbeat,” manager Craig Counsell told The Athletic. “Dansby’s vision—edge, accountability—drives us.” His dugout presence, mentoring Horton and Hoerner, and clutch moments (e.g., a 4-for-5 vs. Padres) earned #InSwansonWeTrust trending on X with 20K posts.

The Emotional Message: A Leader’s Love for Chicago

Swanson’s October 27 post, captioned with gratitude—“We represented what it means to be a Cub”—included locker-room champagne sprays and a dugout pose with teammates. “Pain in the end, but that’s what makes triumphs sweeter,” he wrote, echoing his wife Mallory Pugh Swanson’s “warrior” mantra from July. Fans flooded replies: “Honest, accountable—our Cub!” one user posted, hitting 10K likes. The couple’s May 2025 pregnancy announcement—expecting their first child—added personal joy to his public resolve.

Critics linger: Reddit threads question his $25M AAV, citing .717 OPS and 1.2 WAR as underperformance. “Overpaid anchor?” one user posted, sparking 58 comments. But Swanson’s response—growth, not excuses—quelled doubts. “I see certain things,” he told The Athletic in 2023, a vision now fueling 2026.

Building on 2025: The Cubs’ Next Chapter

Swanson’s post wasn’t a farewell—it was a foundation. Horton’s Rookie of the Year nod, Crow-Armstrong’s 3.2 WAR, and Imanaga’s 2.91 ERA signal contention. Hoyer’s eyeing Bo Bichette ($45M) to bolster shortstop depth, but Swanson’s leadership—evident in trade-deadline talks—makes him untouchable. “He’s our privilege, not right,” a fan tweeted, echoing his grit.

Player	2025 AVG/OPS	HR	WAR	Leadership Role
Dansby Swanson	.244/.717	24	1.2	Spiritual anchor
Pete Crow-Armstrong	.247/.760	31	3.2	Breakout star

Conclusion

Dansby Swanson’s “dang good year” reflection isn’t bravado—it’s a battle cry for Cubs fans craving a sequel to 2016. His .244 bat lagged, but his heart—forged through playoff pain and personal joy—leads Wrigley forward. With Horton, PCA, and a baby on the way, Swanson’s story isn’t done. Chicago, your captain’s ready—write the next chapter.