Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan had a rough first half, with an 81 wRC+ that fell well short of the league-average threshold of 100. Fans were trying to find creative ways to get rid of him, and the organization was secretly wondering how and why his performance had fallen off a cliff after years of excellent play.
However, good hitters often require some patience to work through their struggles, and as it turns out, that’s exactly what Kwan needed. He needed an organization that gave him the freedom to identify his flaws and the chance to adjust in a competitive environment.
Don’t look now, but Kwan’s overall stat line now resembles his normal output. It took him months, but the four-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time All-Star is back to his best.
After another brilliant game on Friday in which he racked up three hits and went yard for the second time this year, Kwan’s wRC+ for the season is now 104, and his batting average is up to .264. His numbers over his last 35 games are incredible.
“Cleveland Guardians OF Steven Kwan collected three hits tonight (3-5, 2 R, HR, RBI), including his 2nd HR of the season in the team’s win over the White Sox. Last 35 games: R) 15, H) 46, 2B) 5, 3B) 2, HR) 1, RBI) 9, BB) 17, SB) 5, AVG) .383, OBP) .460,” Guardians Prospective said.
Cleveland #Guardians OF Steven Kwan collected three hits tonight (3-5 2R HR RBI) including his 2nd HR of the season in the team's win over the White Sox.
Last 35 games:
R) 15
H) 46
2B) 5
3B) 2
HR) 1
RBI) 9
BB) 17
SB) 5
AVG) .383
OBP) .460#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/MQB7hKNhXg— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 8, 2026
We are not talking about a tiny sample: it’s been 35 games of an OBP of .460. It means Kwan has been getting on base almost half the time for weeks. The power is still not fully back, but in all fairness, he was never a big home run guy. As long as he can find the gaps from time to time and is sporting a high batting average and on-base percentage, he will be more than fine.
Kwan is, once again, looking good against all pitch types in any part of the zone. He is making solid contact on balls in the outer third, and he is also capable of driving balls inside over the fence. Obviously, this wasn’t the case for much of the first half, but that’s in the rearview mirror now.
With Kwan looking much better, the Guardians are prepared to fight for the AL Central title with the Chicago White Sox or any other potential challenger.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Reason To Have Hope With Guardians
