Dansby Swanson Eyes Cubs Success and 2028 Olympic Baseball Goals

As the Cubs aim to rebound from a first-round exit in last year’s National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Swanson is looking to provide leadership and offensive production that could energize the team early in the season. His focus is on both immediate results in Chicago and a longer-term dream on the Olympic stage.

Swanson recently shared his ambition to hit a game-winning home run at the Olympics, drawing inspiration from his wife, NWSL star Mallory Swanson, who scored the decisive goal for the United States in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match. His comments, reported by Foul Territory, revealed a competitive motivation intertwined with family pride.

Beyond the humorous rivalry with his spouse, the announcement highlights the unique intersection of professional baseball and international sport, as baseball returns to the Olympics for the first time since Tokyo in 2021.

Swanson’s dual focus underscores the growing trend of athletes balancing domestic league commitments with international aspirations.

1. Spring Training and Cubs Rebound

Swanson enters the 2026 spring season looking to help the Cubs improve on a 92-70 campaign that ended with a playoff appearance but an early NLDS exit. Chicago’s front office has emphasized depth, versatility, and veteran leadership, all areas where Swanson’s presence is expected to make an impact. Last season, Swanson compiled a .244 batting average with 144 hits, 24 home runs, and 77 RBIs, providing steady production in the infield and in the lineup. His performance is likely to set the tone for Chicago’s offensive expectations as the team prepares to challenge divisional rivals. With young players emerging in the roster, Swanson’s role extends beyond statistics. His experience and leadership during camp will help set standards for preparation, approach at the plate, and defensive consistency, qualities that can translate to improved team cohesion and performance during the regular season. Spring training also offers Swanson a platform to refine mechanics, adjust to pitching trends, and experiment with approach, all in the pursuit of a strong start that could carry through the season and position the Cubs for postseason success.

2. Olympic Ambitions and Family Inspiration

Swanson’s Olympic goal is partly motivated by his wife’s remarkable achievement in Paris, where Mallory Swanson scored the game-winning goal to secure a gold medal for the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Dansby humorously framed his ambition: if baseball returns to the Olympics in 2028, he wants a similarly decisive moment with a game-winning home run. The 2028 Games in Los Angeles mark baseball’s return to the Olympic stage, providing an opportunity for MLB players to participate in a highly visible international competition. Swanson’s pursuit demonstrates the growing interest among major leaguers to compete beyond traditional domestic seasons. His comments also reflect the competitive but supportive dynamic of the couple, both elite professional athletes balancing careers, personal milestones, and now parenting. Their shared success at the highest levels of sport serves as mutual inspiration for future achievements. By combining personal motivation with professional development, Swanson’s Olympic aspirations represent more than just a dream—they reinforce his dedication to excellence both in MLB and on a global stage.

3. Balancing Career, Family, and Long-Term Goals

Dansby and Mallory Swanson married in December 2022 and welcomed their first child, daughter Josie, in November 2025. Their shared experience in elite sports adds a layer of support and understanding, allowing both to pursue ambitious goals while managing family life. Mallory’s career highlights include 39 NWSL goals for Chicago Stars FC (formerly Red Stars) and 38 international goals for the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2016. Her achievements provide a benchmark that Dansby playfully measures himself against, underscoring the couple’s competitive dynamic and mutual drive. For Dansby, balancing MLB responsibilities, spring training, playoff ambitions, and long-term Olympic dreams requires careful planning and focus. Success in Chicago can directly bolster his opportunity to represent the United States on the international stage in 2028. Ultimately, Swanson’s story is a mix of personal motivation, family inspiration, and professional ambition, illustrating how modern athletes navigate both domestic leagues and global aspirations. His journey signals that success in baseball and life often intertwine with the people and milestones that define a player beyond the field.