Why Braves’ hopes of re-signing Dansby Swanson are dwindling.

Are the Atlanta Braves going to lose another star player in free agency? A year after losing Freddie Freeman to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Alex Anthopoulos’ latest comments don’t bode well for Dansby Swanson’s chances of remaining in Atlanta.

“I would say this,” Anthopoulos told MLB Network’s Chris Russo. “Right now on the roster, we’ve got Orlando Arcia and Vaughn Grissom that we think can handle the position (shortstop). If we don’t do anything from the outside, whether that’s sign someone or trade for someone, those guys will compete. No one will get handed that job.

The Braves are preparing for a potential Dansby Swanson departure. And Anthopoulos seems comfortable with the idea of Vaughn or Grissom taking over shortstop duties for the Braves.

Atlanta could still re-sign Dansby Swanson. But there’s no denying the fact that they have been quiet on the Swanson front so far in free agency. Meanwhile, teams such as the Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox, and Cubs have been linked to the All-Star shortstop. His market has heated up over the past week with both Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts off the board.

Regardless of when Dansby Swanson inks his next contract, Braves’ fans will be discouraged by Anthopoulos’ comments. Swanson had previously emerged as a fan-favorite in Atlanta.

If the Braves don’t re-sign Dansby Swanson, there will be money available to better the roster in other areas. They could add another starting pitcher, left fielder, or perhaps even an elite closer like Hendriks via trade. $29 million over the next two seasons for a powerful relief arm is a bargain. On top of that, the Braves have shown interest in Hendriks in the past, so perhaps they could re-visit that interest this offseason.