The Cleveland Guardians had a busy day of negotiations on Thursday.
They focused their efforts on two starting outfielders: Lane Thomas and Steven Kwan.
Both are arbitration-eligible players yet to agree with the team on their 2025 salary.
Thursday represented the deadline to settle on contracts with such players.
If not, the two parties would go through the dreaded arbitration process, with a third party deciding on one of the sides after both had exchanged figures.
Thankfully, Cleveland was able to avoid this uncomfortable situation with both starts.
The first one was Thomas, reported near the 1 pm ET deadline.
The details of Kwan’s agreement became available in the afternoon.
Fans started to panic when they saw no updates for a while, but need not to worry: they won’t go to arbitration with Kwan.
“Guardians and Steven Kwan avoid arbitration with a one-year, $4.175 million contract, per source,” team insider Mandy Bell posted on X.
Guardians and Steven Kwan avoid arbitration with a one-year, $4.175 million contract, per source.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) January 9, 2025
It’s a very affordable salary for a solid leadoff hitter who is among the toughest batters to strike out in the league.
Kwan has a healthy walk rate and plays amazing defense in left field, winning three straight Gold Glove awards in left field.
He is also a speedy, athletic player who runs the bases well.
These traits make him a perfect extension candidate.
Despite agreeing to his 2025 salary, the career 117 wRC+ hitter (he was at an excellent 131 in 2024) can still negotiate an extension with the team at any time.
Will the Guardians do right by their star left fielder and keep him around for the long haul?
NEXT: Guardians Settle On 2025 Contract With Starting Center Fielder
