Despite countless rumors and extensive speculation, the Cleveland Guardians chose to hold on to Steven Kwan this season. There was no shortage of suitors and potential trade offers, but the front office opted to keep him for a little longer.
That was the right choice at the time, given that they had a chance to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, things might be different now.
Details are emerging about why the Guardians could trade Kwan this offseason.
“Internal options to fill the rotation void include lefties Joey Cantillo and Parker Messick, though neither represents the same level of established talent that [Luis L.] Ortiz had begun to demonstrate. This reality has fueled speculation about potential trades, with Steven Kwan’s name repeatedly surfacing in rumors. Such a move would represent Cleveland’s typical approach — trading from areas of positional strength to address pitching needs. With a surplus of outfielders including players like Chase DeLauter, Jhonkensy Noel and George Valera pushing for playing time, Kwan represents one of the organization’s most valuable trade chips,” per the “Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast.”
The All-Star outfielder is signed through the 2027 season. However, he wants a lucrative contract extension, which he has earned. The lack of updates on that situation makes it seem that it’s just not going to happen with Cleveland.
It’s hard to believe that the team would be better without Kwan. That being said, the Guardians do have a logjam in the outfield, and while neither of their likely replacements is a bona fide star, they have tons of potential.
It doesn’t mean that the Guardians will eagerly shop Kwan. He is a four-time Gold Glove winner and one of the best contact hitters in the game, and as such, whoever wants him will have to pay a steep price.
It would certainly be a big blow to the team and its fans. But if this is, in fact, the end of the line, the Guardians might as well get a haul in return.
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