Nick Swanson joined the Santa Clara Cardinals in Fall 2023, emerging as one of the franchise’s most reliable starting pitchers and a quiet leader in the clubhouse. Hailing from Livermore, California, Swanson’s calm mound presence, durable frame, and deceptive submarine delivery have made him a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ rotation. A two-way player capable of contributing both on the mound and in the outfield, Swanson embodies the team’s mix of grit and poise.

Known for his command and ability to generate weak contact, Swanson has become the model of consistency within the Cardinals’ pitching staff. Whether setting the tone as a starter or eating up innings in relief, he provides a steady anchor for a team built around pitching depth and defensive efficiency.

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Career Overview

Across 17 career appearances (11 starts), Swanson owns a 3–3 record with a 2.83 ERA, 60 strikeouts, and a 1.49 WHIP over 70 innings pitched — ranking among the Cardinals’ all-time leaders in both innings and strikeouts.

Offensively, Swanson has also made valuable contributions as a right-handed hitter, batting .250 with a .344 OBP and 13 RBI across 39 career games. While primarily known for his pitching, his ability to reach base and run smartly on the paths adds depth to the lineup.

Defensively, he’s logged nearly 80 innings between left and right field in addition to his starts on the mound, maintaining a solid .889 fielding percentage and proving to be one of the team’s most adaptable athletes.

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Fall 2025

Swanson opened the Fall 2025 season with both pitching and hitting duties. On the mound, he’s made two appearances (one start), allowing just one earned run in 4 innings with five strikeouts and a 2.25 ERA. At the plate, he’s batting .250 (3-for-12) with 1 RBI, 1 triple, and a .417 SLG, continuing his dual-role contributions.

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Summer 2025

In Summer 2025, Swanson enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons in franchise history. Across 9 appearances (7 starts), he posted a 2.05 ERA, the lowest Summer-season ERA in Cardinals history, while recording 41 strikeouts and a 1.45 WHIP in 48.1 innings.

His performance earned him D2 All-Star honors and recognition as a finalist for Pitcher of the Year. Swanson’s command and stamina led the team to multiple key wins and firmly established him as the Cardinals’ ace for the foreseeable future.

At the plate, he added 12 hits, 7 RBI, and 8 walks over 15 games, batting .273 with a .304 OBP.

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Fall 2024

Swanson began to emerge as a two-way presence in Fall 2024, hitting .308 with 8 runs scored and 7 walks over 7 games. On the mound, he logged 14 innings with 12 strikeouts and a 6.43 ERA, gaining critical experience against tougher D2 lineups.

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Summer 2024

A short but pivotal stretch, Swanson worked his way back throwing 3.2 scoreless innings while showing improved mechanics. Offensively, he collected 2 hits and a .444 SLG, building momentum heading into 2025.

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Fall 2023

Swanson made his Cardinals debut in Fall 2023, quickly earning attention for his unique submarine-style delivery. While his at-bats were limited that season, the groundwork was laid for his future success as a key pitcher in the rotation.

Fall 2025
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. Oct 18 2025 — vs Silver Creek Pirates Black: First Fall start of 2025 with 3.0 IP, 4 K, 1 ER; also added an RBI at the plate.
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. Oct 4 2025 — vs Bay City Rays Legacy: Collected first extra-base hit of Fall 2025 (triple) and drove in 3 RBI. Also earned first career Save on the mound.

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Summer 2025
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. Jul 13 2025 — @ West Coast Redwoods White: Recorded season-high 3 hits (3-for-4, 2 RBI).
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. Apr 27 2025 — @ Silver Creek Pirates Gold: Delivered a complete-game shutout with 10 strikeouts — first career double-digit K performance. Also went 2-for-4 with a double and RBI.
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. Apr 6 2025 — @ NorCal Muffins: Dominant season debut on the mound, striking out 9 over 6.1 shutout innings.

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Fall 2024
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. Nov 2 2024 — @ Left Coast Lumber Jaxx: Posted best offensive line of the fall — 2-for-3, 2 BB, 2 R (.667 AVG).
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. Nov 9 2024 — vs Bay Area Diamondbacks: Worked 5.0 IP with 2 ER and 2 K, one of his strongest starts of the season.

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Summer 2024
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. Jul 21 2024 — vs West Bay Reds: Logged first multi-hit game of 2024 (2-for-3, 2B).
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. Jul 14 2024 — @ Campbell Royals Blue: Made first pitching appearance since 2023, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings.

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Fall 2023
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. Oct 14 2023 — @ San Jose Marlins Blue: Recorded first career RBI in Cardinals uniform.

 

Records & Honors:

• 🏅 D2 All-Star (Summer 2025)

• 🥈 Finalist – D2 Pitcher of the Year (Summer 2025)

• 🏆 Holds Cardinals record for lowest Summer-season ERA (2.05, Summer 2025)

Team-Leading Stats:

• Fall 2024: Led team in Runs (8) and Walks (7)

• Summer 2025: Ranked top 3 in Strikeouts (41), ERA (2.05), Complete Games (2), and Games Started (7)

• Summer 2025: Top 3 in WHIP (1.45) and Pitching Wins (3)