As the 2025 trade deadline passed, the Guardians quietly removed Kwan’s name from the trading block. Although multiple clubs reportedly reached out — including contenders from both leagues — none presented a package that met Cleveland’s asking price.
Despite his dip in offensive production last season, Kwan’s defensive value and two remaining years of team control influenced the decision. The front office apparently concluded that moving him now would neither guarantee a fair return nor immediately address the club’s more pressing needs.
Guardians management — while open to offers — seems inclined to give Kwan another season to try to rebound at the plate before making any permanent decisions.
Kwan remains one of baseball’s premier defensive outfielders. In 2025 he earned his fourth consecutive Gold Glove for left field, finishing the year with a .985 fielding percentage and leading all Major League outfielders in assists.
Even with offensive struggles, his glove gives the Guardians a reliable left‑field anchor — and replacing that kind of defensive value isn’t simple, especially for a club that lacks depth and prefers cost‑controlled players.
Kwan is under club control through the 2026 and 2027 seasons, entering arbitration for 2026 (projected around US$8.8 million).
This gives Cleveland flexibility — they’re not under financial pressure to trade him now. Given this cushion, the team opted against selling at a perceived low point, preserving their ability to revisit the market later if needed.
Many analysts believe that Kwan’s 2025 slump may be temporary — a combination of a rough second half and lingering wrist issues.
If he regains form, he could effectively anchor a revamped outfield, buying the organization time to develop younger players without compromising defensive reliability.
Though Kwan stayed, the possibility of a trade isn’t off the table. Experts still view him as a prime trade chip — especially for teams needing a defensive upgrade and a contact‑hitter at the top of the lineup.
With Cleveland’s offense underperforming, some internal voices warn that keeping a top defender with a sagging bat might prolong offensive woes.
That said, trading him without securing offensive upgrades or outfield depth in return could backfire — a risk the front office seems unwilling to take right now.
Insiders now expect the Guardians to take a measured approach: listen to offers this winter or spring, but only move him if the return includes MLB‑ready talent or offensive strength — not just prospects.
By retaining Kwan, Cleveland maintains at least one known quantity in a roster undergoing significant potential changes. Their 2026 game plan likely centers on mixing controllable veterans with internal youth — while avoiding rash trades that leave holes.
Still, the club must confront some urgent needs: adding offensive firepower, bolstering bullpen depth, and solidifying outfield depth beyond Kwan. As it stands, Kwan gives them defensive stability — but the offense will need reinforcements if the team hopes to contend.
Front office watchers expect the club to field trade calls, but only those that make the team better, not simply shuffle pieces. How this balance plays out could define Cleveland’s competitive window for the next 2–3 years.
The decision to hold onto Steven Kwan reflects a cautious, long‑term-minded strategy: protect defensive value, retain control, and wait for either a rebound or an offer too good to pass up.
For fans, it means stability in left field and continued pride in a Gold Glove defender — but also lingering questions about offensive potential and long-term direction. As 2026 approaches, Cleveland’s front office and Kwan both get one more chance: for him to reclaim his bat, and for them to decide whether loyalty or leverage better serves the Guardians moving forward.
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