Perhaps a bit surprisingly, Steven Kwan is still a member of the Cleveland Guardians, with the All-Star outfielder about to join spring training with the rest of the position players. It follows the latest offseason when his future with the organization was in doubt.
Kwan has been searching for a contract extension to remain with the Guardians for more than a year. However, the sides have not been able to come to an agreement, and the window to do so may have already passed.
Though he is under club control through the 2027 season, Kwan is now one year closer to becoming a free agent. That could make him more willing to wait and explore the market, which, in turn, could make the Guardians more likely to trade him than they have been.
Insider Paul Hoynes recently revealed what he’s hearing about Kwan’s future, and it could involve making him a qualifying offer so the Guardians will at least receive a draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
“If the Guardians don’t extend or trade Kwan, they could face a similar situation after the 2027 season when he’s eligible for free agency. They could make Kwan a qualifying offer — this offseason, the one-year deal was worth $20.025 million — and get a draft pick if he rejected it. Or they could decide against making him a qualifying offer for financial reasons and let him walk with no compensation. I can’t see that happening if they are unable to reach an extension with Kwan,” Hoynes wrote.
Kwan has arguably deserved a raise and long-term security based on his first four MLB seasons. He has been an AL All-Star the past two years, and he has won the Gold Glove every year.
Cleveland has made the playoffs in three of those seasons, and Kwan has a .321 postseason batting average. On top of all of that, he has become a fan favorite.
The Guardians this offseason announced a long-term contract extension with franchise cornerstone Jose Ramirez, which should keep the All-Star third baseman with the organization for the rest of his career. Now, with that piece of business behind them, perhaps they will be more focused on getting a new deal done with Kwan.
However, Ramirez took a well-below-market contract for a player of his caliber, and it is unknown if Kwan would be willing to do the same. Based on other deals being signed around MLB this offseason, he could be too expensive for the budget-conscious Guardians.
If so, they will have to do something, perhaps at this season’s trade deadline, to make sure they don’t lose Kwan for nothing.
NEXT: Former Guardians Pitcher Signs With Royals
