Cubs Convention returns this weekend with fired-up Swanson, Taillon

After signing a seven-year, $177 million contract with the Cubs last month, Dansby Swanson talked a lot about the appeal of joining a team that looks to be back on a competitive path.

He also had another incentive for leaving his hometown Atlanta Braves as a free agent.

"Everyone knows Cubs fans are the best fans in baseball," Swanson said.

Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, who signed a four-year, $68 million contract, also cited the Cubs' passionate fan base as a big reason for coming aboard.

Taillon reflected on pitching at Wrigley Field when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"I remember just like taking a step back and feeling the environment," Taillon said. "There's nothing better than a day game at Wrigley in the summer. I remember thinking at the time, 'This is the big leagues right here. This is the show.'

"So to have an opportunity to call that my own field and my home fans is super exciting."

Swanson and Taillon will be in town this weekend when Cubs Convention returns to the Sheraton Grand Chicago following a two-year absence.

New center fielder Cody Bellinger is also scheduled to attend.

The Opening Ceremony runs from 6-7 p.m. Friday and features player introductions and remarks from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts.

Saturday has always been the big day at Cubs Convention and this year is no different.

"The Ricketts Family Session" is scheduled for Saturday morning and gives fans the chance to ask Tom questions for the first time since 2018.

After that, Cubs president Jed Hoyer and general manager Carter Hawkins will do a Q&A during a 45-minute "Baseball Operations Update."

Other highlights include a live recording of left fielder Ian Happ's "The Compound" podcast, which will feature Nico Hoerner, Bellinger, newcomer Tucker Barnhart and fellow catcher Yan Gomes.

Former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace will also be on the panel.

Manager David Ross and his coaching staff will take questions in a late morning seminar, and Cubs pitchers Kyle Hendricks, Taillon, Adrian Sampson, Drew Smyly, Keegan Thompson and Hayden Wesneski will follow suit in the early afternoon.

Infielder Patrick Wisdom will host a "Kids Only" press conference later Saturday afternoon.

After that, Cubs fans can get to know top prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Mervis, Brennen Davis, Ed Howard, Jordan Wicks, Miguel Amaya, Owen Caissie and others during a "Road to Wrigley" gathering.