The Cleveland Guardians had an up-and-down season.
Some thought they underperformed, given that they were fresh off a trip to the ALCS.
Others argued that they overachieved, considering their lack of firepower.
Perhaps the truth is somewhere in between.
Whatever the case, the fact of the matter is that this team needs to make some moves in the offseason.
Unfortunately, instead of bringing in more talent, they could part ways with one of their best players.
At least, that’s how Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report feels.
In his latest column, he pointed to Steven Kwan as one of the most valuable trade chips in the entire league right now:
“A two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner who might be headed for his fourth straight this offseason, Steven Kwan has developed into an extremely valuable player for the Cleveland Guardians. However, his contact-oriented approach at a corner outfield spot is part of the reason the Guardians are lacking in offensive punch, and if they don’t plan on signing him to a lucrative long-term extension then flipping him now could be their best course of action. His market could be tied to Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, who is also a speculative trade candidate,” Reuter wrote.
The Guardians aren’t going to be a better team with Steven Kwan.
Trading their second-best player isn’t going to send the right message, especially after Jose Ramirez already called out the front office for not spending to acquire more talent.
The Guardians and Kwan’s camp have been in talks for a contract extension for years now, and they must get him to put pen to paper.
As much as this front office takes pride in not spending big bucks to stay competitive, this would only set the team back.
Even if the Guardians firmly believe that Chase DeLauter, C.J. Kayfus, and George Valera could be long-term answers in the outfield, and rightfully so, this team isn’t that far off from World Series contention, and as such, they need to add better players, not give up on their stars.
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