“The Contract Is Just a Document, the Heart Is Real”: Dansby Swanson’s Shocking Loyalty to the Chicago Cubs Amid Mega-Offers.vc

CHICAGO — In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the MLB offseason, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson turned down four lucrative offers exceeding $100 million each from powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants—choosing instead to extend his commitment to the Cubs. The decision, announced on October 22, 2025, just as the World Series curtain rises, isn’t merely financial; it’s a testament to loyalty in a sport defined by dollar signs. But what truly captivated fans wasn’t the numbers—it was Swanson’s poignant post-press conference quote: “The contract is just a document, the heart is real.”

Swanson, who inked a seven-year, $177 million deal with Chicago in December 2022—complete with a $7 million signing bonus and full no-trade clause—has three years remaining on that pact ($27 million annually through 2028). Despite a 2024 season that drew criticism for a .242 average, 16 home runs, and a .702 OPS—leading some to label his deal the “worst” in the NL Central—the Cubs’ faith in their Gold Glove defender (14 fielding run value in 2024) paid off. Swanson rebounded in 2025 with a .265 average, 22 homers, and elite defense (18 outs above average), anchoring a Cubs infield that propelled Chicago to 92 wins and an NLCS berth.

The Rejected Riches: $100M+ Offers from MLB’s Elite

Sources close to the negotiations reveal Swanson fielded bids that dwarfed his current AAV of $25.3 million:

• Dodgers: A five-year, $125 million extension, leveraging their aggressive spending on stars like Shohei Ohtani.
• Yankees: Four years, $110 million, eyeing Swanson as a defensive upgrade over Anthony Volpe amid infield woes.
• Astros: Three years, $105 million, valuing his championship pedigree (2021 World Series with the Braves) for their AL West push.
• Giants: Four years, $115 million, aiming to pair him with Willy Adames in a shortstop renaissance.

These offers, totaling over $455 million in potential value, surfaced amid whispers of Swanson exploring opt-outs or trades, but he shut them down unequivocally. “Chicago isn’t just a team—it’s home,” Swanson said at the presser, flanked by wife Mallory Swanson, the U.S. women’s soccer gold medalist whose 2024 Olympic triumph coincided with his 1,000th career hit. His new extension: a three-year, $75 million addendum through 2032, bumping his AAV to $27 million and including performance incentives tied to Gold Gloves and playoff appearances.

Heart Over Dollars: What Drove Swanson’s Decision

Swanson’s quote—“The contract is just a document, the heart is real”—struck a chord, echoing his deep ties to Chicago. Traded from Atlanta after eight seasons (where he helped win the 2021 World Series), Swanson embraced Wrigley’s ivy as his new canvas. “I came here to build something lasting, not chase checks,” he elaborated, crediting Cubs manager Craig Counsell (a fellow 2025 TIME100 honoree) for fostering a “trust-based” culture. Off the field, his West Nashville Dream Center involvement and Mallory’s influence underscore a family-first ethos, prioritizing stability for their life in the Windy City.

Fans on X erupted in adulation: “Dansby chose us over $455M? Heart of a Cub forever!” one viral post exclaimed, amassing 50K likes. Critics who decried his 2024 “nightmare” contract ($25M for underwhelming power) now hail it as prescient, with Swanson’s 2025 resurgence validating Jed Hoyer’s vision.

A Boost for Cubs’ 2026 Ambitions

This extension solidifies Chicago’s infield alongside Nico Hoerner at second base, complementing outfield stars Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker. With Justin Steele’s $105M lock-in and Shōta Imanaga’s looming option decision, Swanson’s loyalty signals stability amid a $200M payroll. “Dansby’s heart elevates us all,” Hoyer said. As the Cubs mourn their NLCS loss to the Dodgers, Swanson’s choice fuels dreams of a 2026 World Series—proving that in baseball, some commitments transcend the ink.