Steven Kwan has rapidly become one of the most valuable and well‑rounded players on the Guardians roster. A two‑time All‑Star and multiple‑time Gold Glove winner, he offers elite defense in left field, excellent contact hitting, and steady on‑base skills that few teams can match.
Yet despite his value, the club and Kwan have not reached a long‑term contract extension. He remains arbitration‑eligible through 2027, with projections for a 2026 salary around $8.8 million. This dynamic — a top player controlled but not locked in — sets up intense speculation. As one insider noted, the coming offseason could define Kwan’s future in Cleveland.
On one side of the equation: trading Kwan could yield significant returns. He remains under team control, so clubs seeking a premium left fielder with glove-first value, contact hitting and league‑average power may be willing to pay a high price. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres — all identified as potential suitors — reportedly showed interest at the trade deadline, and that interest could resurface this winter.
But there are strong arguments for retaining him as well. Despite a modest offensive 2025 season — his bat was down compared to previous years — Kwan remains one of the most reliable contact hitters and best defensive outfielders in the game. Removing him would further weaken a Guardians offense already in need of punch, and leave the outfield depth largely dependent on unproven prospects.
Furthermore, losing him without a major offensive reinvestment would risk making the team less competitive overall — a concern echoed by analysts urging caution.
So far, the front office has remained cautious. According to a recent report, despite trade interest from multiple clubs, the Guardians are “less inclined to sell” at this point — especially after their late‑season push and division success.
Still, insiders are preparing for either scenario. Some believe the club might wait through spring training, letting Kwan start the 2026 season, use that time to rebuild value, then consider a trade prior to the next deadline — a route that allows maximum leverage. Others forecast a quiet offseason, banking instead on existing outfield prospects and redirecting resources toward more pressing needs, like bullpen depth.
Notably, one prominent insider predicted that a long‑term extension is unlikely — placing higher probability on a trade before or during the 2026 season.
-
If they trade Kwan: The Guardians could obtain a haul of prospects or MLB‑ready talent — perhaps a starting pitcher or powerful bat — addressing immediate weaknesses. However, this would leave their outfield thin and force greater reliance on untested players.
-
If they keep him: Cleveland retains a reliable, everyday defensive outfielder while maintaining flexibility — but must invest elsewhere to bolster offensive firepower and bullpen strength.
Given the team’s current structure — a tight payroll without major free‑agent splashes, and organizational emphasis on development — patience seems the prevailing strategy.
At 28, Steven Kwan stands at a crossroads: either become the core franchise player the Guardians build around — or become their top trade chip as they seek balance and offense.
The decision will reverberate through Cleveland’s winter plans: reshaping the outfield, influencing free‑agent pursuits, and defining the team’s competitive outlook.
For fans, it’s a tense wait: will the contact‑hitting, glove‑first outfielder who represents the heart of a small‑market club remain a Guardian — or will he be traded for an uncertain promise of future success?
This offseason could say as much about the Guardians’ ambitions as it does about their willingness to invest.
Leave a Reply