The Cleveland Guardians might not have too many power guys, or the consistency needed to be a top unit in the league.
However, it has Steven Kwan, and that’s more than enough to get things started in the run-scoring process.
Kwan is one of the league’s best and most underrated leadoff hitters, and you can say he is the catalyst of the Guardians’ offense.
When he is right, he is an on-base machine capable of reaching first base with surprising frequency thanks to his excellent bat-to-ball skills and flawless plate discipline.
Guardians legend Carlos Baerga is a fan of Kwan’s game and showed us some numbers on his show to put things in perspective.
“If Steven Kwan gets on base, you know the Guardians are going to score. When he gets on base and we score first, do you know our record? 13-7!” the Carlos Baerga Show posted on X, with the former infielder explaining to the world how big it is for Cleveland to have its leadoff guy getting things going early in games.
If Steven Kwan gets on base, you know the #Guardians are going to score. #GuardsBall
"When he gets on base and we score first, do you know our record? 13-7!"
– @Baerga99 pic.twitter.com/ehblZyDi73
— Carlos Baerga Show (@BaergaShow) May 12, 2025
Every time Kwan gets on base and scores in the opening frame, the Guardians’ winning odds significantly improve.
When that happens, they have won 13 out of 20 games this season, which is not bad at all.
For the year, Kwan is sporting a cool .331/.393/.459 line and an excellent 148 wRC+.
He ranks fifth in MLB in batting average, 13th in WAR (1.7,) and has the third-lowest strikeout rate at 8.6 percent.
Kwan, an extension candidate for the Guardians, is doing everything right.
He has been the team’s best and most consistent offensive weapon so far in 2025.
NEXT: MLB Team Has Fired Former Cleveland Pitcher As Manager
