Down To The Wire: Diamondbacks Sign Top Pick Swanson With Minutes To Spare

Dansby Swanson has a flair for the dramatic.

Whether it was a go-ahead home run in the late innings or a defensive play that would make Ozzie Smith backflip, Swanson found himself delivering in crunch time, without seemingly breaking a sweat.

The same can’t be said for the Diamondbacks faithful, as the were sweating whether the Vanderbilt shortstop would sign with the club before the 5 PM EST deadline Friday.  Swanson put pen to paper mere minutes before the clock struck five.

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Officially a part of the @Dbacks! Blessed to be in this position. Thanks to everyone who helped along the way! Happy to pursue a dream! ???

— Dansby Swanson (@LieutenantDans7) July 17, 2015

The Golden Spikes Award finalist finished the year batting .335 with 15 home runs and 54 rbis.  Reports coming in say Swanson signed for $6.5 million, over $2 million less than the pick value indicated.

This isn’t the first time the Diamondbacks have gone down to the wire in negotiations with a first round shortstop. In 2004, Scott Boras-represented Stephen Drew signed almost a year after being drafted.  Drew, a senior at Florida State, had exhausted his eligibility, so he was able to hold out until virtually the following year’s draft.

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Came down to the wire but we are thrilled to have signed @dbacks first pick Dansby Swanson. Welcome! @LieutenantDans7

— Derrick Hall (@DHallDbacks) July 17, 2015

Had Swanson not signed, this would have been the second straight year the top overall pick could not come to terms with a team, as the Houston Astros and pitcher Brady Aiken did not reach an agreement in 2014.

Now Swanson can get to work and Diamondback fans can catch their breath.