The Cleveland Guardians have a dynamo, a truly elite table-setter at the top of the lineup.
He might have had a subpar season in 2023 (.710 OPS), but Steven Kwan is proving that he is more like his 2022 version (.772 OPS) and has the potential to be even better than that.
Before Wednesday’s action, Kwan was tied with Jose Altuve for the American League lead in hits (29), right behind the top hitter in MLB, Mookie Betts (31).
His ability to get base hits is notable and well known at this point.
In fact, he likes to get them in bunches.
He has logged, to this point, five three-hit games on the young 2024 campaign.
That makes him part of a select group of hitters in Guardians history.
“CLE Franchise History, Most 3-Hit Games through 1st 17 Games of Season: Nap Lajoie: 7 (1904); Tris Speaker: 6 (1922); Steven Kwan: 5 (2024); Kenny Lofton: 5 (1994); Reggie Jefferson: 5 (1993); Lyn Lary: 5 (1937),” Cleveland Stats tweeted.
CLE Franchise History
Most 3-Hit Games through 1st 17 Games of Season:
Nap Lajoie: 7 (1904)
Tris Speaker: 6 (1922)
Steven Kwan: 5 (2024)
Kenny Lofton: 5 (1994)
Reggie Jefferson: 5 (1993)
Lyn Lary: 5 (1937)— Cleveland Stats (@CLE_STATS) April 17, 2024
Look at some of those names.
The fact Kwan belongs in the same conversation, even if it is a random stat achieved over a very short period of time, is rather impressive.
Kwan represents a big reason why the Guards’ offense has been much, much better than last year’s punchless version.
He is not a home run guy and he is up to two dingers already, and he is hitting an incredible .372 with a .869 OPS and a whopping 18 runs scored.
Kwan has a very good shot at finally clearing the 100-run threshold with the way he and his teammates are playing.
The season is young, but he looks inspired.
NEXT: Guardians Make A Trade Wednesday
