The Cleveland Guardians are used to enjoying incredible stretches of play by All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan.
In the last few years, these tend to come in the first few weeks and months of the season.
Kwan is a notoriously strong starter, and 2025 has been more of the same.
In fact, he has been so good to this point that no Guardians player has his batting average, hits, and RBI stats through their first 28 team games in the last 16 years.
“Through 28 team games, Steven Kwan has a .345 AVG, 38 hits & 15 RBI. He’s the first CLE hitter to do this since Victor Martinez (2009). The most recent MLB leadoff hitters to do this: Mookie Betts (2024), Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023) & Derek Jeter (2012),” Guardians researcher Luke Potosky posted on X.
Through 28 team games, Steven Kwan has a .345 AVG, 38 hits & 15 RBI.
He’s the first CLE hitter to do this since Victor Martinez (2009).
The most recent MLB leadoff hitters to do this: Mookie Betts (2024), Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023) & Derek Jeter (2012)#GuardsBall | @CleGuardians pic.twitter.com/wfexabjHL5
— Luke Potosky (@LukePotosky) April 29, 2025
Take a look at all the names on that list.
Martinez is one of the most productive hitters in Cleveland history this side of the new millennium, Jeter is a Hall of Famer, and Acuña and Betts will probably get there eventually.
Usually, those who drive in the runs don’t have a particularly high batting average or many hits.
They tend to have lots of extra-base hits and home runs.
Kwan, however, is special.
He combines the bat-to-ball skills and contact ability of a true leadoff hitter with some sneaky power, especially on balls pitched in the inner part of the zone.
With these stats, some incredible speed, a good throwing arm, phenomenal defense, and a willingness to take walks, Kwan is on his way to becoming a rich man once the Guardians extend him or if he hits the market in a few years.
NEXT: Bruce Drennan Names The Biggest Need For Guardians
