The Cleveland Guardians’ disappointing season ended with an early playoff exit, but questions about the roster’s future have already begun.
Steven Kwan remains under contract through 2027, and despite trade rumors throughout the 2025 campaign, Cleveland kept him past the July deadline.
His elite contact skills, defensive reliability, and clubhouse leadership make him a cornerstone piece for the organization moving forward.
However, analyst Ken Carman recently raised doubts about Kwan’s future on 92.3 The Fan. He suggested the Guardians may have already seen the last of their star outfielder in Cleveland.
“I think we might have seen the last of Steven Kwan in a (Guardians) jersey. So, the time for anger is still to come… I think he probably played his last baseball game for us yesterday. Hate to say it. Would love to get him signed, but you’re calling up these pups from the Minors in big-time crunch time,” Carman said.
📞"I think we might have seen the last of Steven Kwan… Would love to get him signed but you're calling up these pups from the minors in crunch time to get them to play pressured baseball."@KenCarman think Steven Kwan might be on the way out for the #Guardians 😬 pic.twitter.com/8USa4kyPAY
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 3, 2025
Kwan had a telling moment in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card series when he joined Chase DeLauter and George Valera in the outfield during a pitching change.
DeLauter was making his major league debut, while Valera had debuted just a month earlier.
Kwan, who turned 28 last month and has four big league seasons behind him, described feeling like the uncle of the group.
The parade of youth figures to continue next season. Cleveland got a glimpse of the DeLauter, Valera, and C.J. Kayfus mix in 2025 and could add top prospect Travis Bazzana, Juan Brito, and possibly catcher Cooper Ingle in 2026.
This infusion of talent provides depth for a lineup that lacked punch this year, though injuries played a significant role.
Despite evaluating these young outfielders, none are projected to replace Kwan’s consistent production and intangibles.
The team’s decision to retain him at the deadline and potentially revisit an extension this offseason signals a long-term plan.
While the youth movement gains momentum, Kwan is expected to bridge the current roster and the next generation of Guardians talent.
NEXT: Steven Kwan Sends Message To Guardians' Young Players
