There are some good-news-bad-news scenarios surrounding Steven Kwan and the Cleveland Guardians right now. For example, the good news is that Kwan has the second-best batting average among the team’s regular players so far this season, but the bad news is that the average is under .220.
Another one suggests that the good news is that Kwan is under club control through the end of next season. But the bad news is that the lack of a contract extension may be contributing to his decline at the plate.
With that in mind, analyst Anthony Castrovince has revealed a key reason for Kwan’s offensive struggles, which could be that he is pressing because of his looming contract extension.
“To his credit, there’s a high floor there, just because of the discipline he has and the defense. His ability to slide into center field this season is so huge for them. It just makes their lineup make more sense. Offensively, there’s no doubt. I do think he’s a player who gets into his head a little bit. It’s just been kind of erratic in general with him, offensively, through his big league career. It’s very fair [to wonder that he’s pressing because of the looming contract extension]. That’s a player who’s let us into his mindset more than most. I would be shocked if that doesn’t play into his thinking,” Castrovince said.
"To his credit, there's a high floor. His ability to slide into CF is so huge for them… That's a player that's lead us into his thinking. I would be shocked if (contract extension) didn't play into his thinking."
📞@castrovince says Steven Kwan may be pressing at the plate due… pic.twitter.com/ne5qURNexb
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) April 6, 2026
Kwan has reportedly been seeking a long-term agreement with the Guardians for more than a year. The fact that he has not yet received one has led to persistent trade rumors surrounding the outfielder, which could be another part of his allegedly troubled mindset.
In addition, the four-time Gold Glove left fielder has willingly moved to center field in an effort to help the team, both in the locker room and on defense. Learning a new position isn’t easy for even the most accomplished veterans, so that could be weighing on Kwan as well.
Last season, Kwan was batting over .300 entering June. Then, he started to fall off until he hit just .214 in August. In his defense, he was dealing with a right wrist injury, and he still finished the season with a .272 batting average, though his .705 OPS was a career low.
Those struggles have followed the two-time All-Star into this season, as he has a .216 batting average and a .580 OPS through the first 10 games. Yet, other than rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, the entire Guardians’ lineup is struggling.
Throughout it all, Kwan has not publicly complained and has always put the team first, so it is easy to see why he feels he should be rewarded with a new contract.
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