It was only going to be a matter of time before it looked like Steven Kwan had been playing center field his whole life. Even though the Cleveland Guardians star is just one month into his new position, he has already proven that he belongs there.
The latest example was a highlight-reel play made against the Athletics. With the Guardians clinging to a shrinking lead, Kwan got them out of the late-inning jam with his glove.
Kwan’s game-saving catch on Friday is going viral, as it allowed Cleveland to escape with an 8-5 victory.
“Steven Kwan saves the day with a tremendous leaping grab on the warning track,” MLB wrote.
Steven Kwan saves the day with a tremendous leaping grab on the warning track 😮 pic.twitter.com/vMkmpAlyrP
— MLB (@MLB) May 2, 2026
The Guardians held a four-run lead entering the bottom of the seventh. But the Athletics rallied and had a run in with the bases loaded. Reliever Erik Sabrowski struck out two hitters, bringing Coby Thomas to the plate.
Thomas launched a long fly ball to left-center field, but Kwan was able to run it down and catch it near the 380-foot marker with a leap toward the wall. Sabrowski walked off the mound with a smile, and Thomas took off his helmet in disbelief.
The Athletics threatened again in the eighth inning, with an error by shortstop Brayan Rocchio putting runners on first and third. Cade Smith came on for a strikeout to end the inning, then pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
That would not have been possible if not for Kwan’s grab. After winning the AL Gold Glove in left field in each of his first four major league seasons, he may be on his way to doing so in center field, where he has made 23 of his 30 outfield starts this year.
He has just one error in 53 chances, with two assists. That includes a memorable catch-and-throw double play against the St. Louis Cardinals in his first highlight moment at his new position.
Kwan has said he made the move to change positions willingly because it would help the team, and he continues to show why that has turned out to be the case.
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