Sports · Baseball · 16 hrs ago
Guardians weigh whether to trade Steven Kwan
The Cleveland Guardians are weighing a trade for Steven Kwan, a two-time All-Star outfielder.
Team president Chris Antonetti said Cleveland expects Kwan to be part of a contending team next year, but did not confirm he will remain with the Guardians.
Kwan is projected to earn $11.3 million in 2027, his final year of arbitration, and is due to become a free agent the following winter.
Cleveland has often traded players nearing free agency to bring in talent for the future, but Kwan is also a dependable hitter and an important defender for a team whose offense has been a weakness.
His hitting has varied from season to season, while he has won four Gold Gloves and can play left or center field.
Several teams have previously shown interest in Kwan, including the Phillies, Padres, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Reds.
A possible lockout may make teams reluctant to trade prospects for a player with only one year of control before December 1, so Cleveland could instead consider a trade for another player in a similar contract situation.
The Guardians are considering whether to trade outfielder Steven Kwan, who is projected to earn $11.3 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility.
President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said the team expects Kwan to be part of a contending team next year, without confirming he will remain in Cleveland.
A trade could bring Cleveland prospects and other assets before Kwan is slated to become a free agent after the 2027 season.
Keeping Kwan would preserve a dependable hitter and an elite defender on an outfield that has been a weak link.
A potential lockout and uncertainty over rival teams’ willingness to trade prospects could affect Cleveland’s plans.
- Who
- The Cleveland Guardians and outfielder Steven Kwan.
- What
- The Guardians are weighing whether to trade Kwan. He is projected to earn $11.3 million in his final arbitration-eligible season.
- When
- The discussion comes after the 2026 season; Kwan is slated to reach the open market after the 2027 season.
- Where
- Cleveland.
- Why
- A trade could help the Guardians restock their roster before Kwan reaches free agency. Keeping him would retain a dependable hitter and defender.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Phillies, Padres, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Reds were reportedly interested in Kwan.
Kwan posted a .614 OPS over his first 354 plate appearances and an .875 OPS in 283 plate appearances after the All-Star break.
Antonetti said the Guardians expected Kwan to be part of a contending team next year.
Morosi said rival teams could be unlikely to trade prospects for players with one year of team control.
- Projected 2027 salary
- $11.3 million
- Free agency
- Kwan is slated to reach the open market after the 2027 season
- 2026 walk rate
- 13.3%, a career high
- Gold Gloves
- Four, for his work in left field from 2022 to 2025
- Reported 2025 trade interest
- Phillies, Padres, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Reds
What people are saying
As we sit here today, we’re expecting Steven Kwan to be a big part of a contending team next year
unlikely
Posts on X
Hearing MLB trade candidates with 1 year of control left — Logan Gilbert, Steven Kwan, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcántara, et al — are unlikely to be moved for prospects this month, because teams aren’t sure what kind of 2027 season to expect. However, sources say pending free agents