Steven Kwan‘s breakout performance in 2022 was enough to catapult him into the conversation for the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
Unfortunately for Kwan, the award was given to Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez.
Kwan finished third in the voting behind Rodriguez and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman.
Kwan was certainly deserving of the award, having hit for a .298 average during the regular season with six home runs and 52 RBI.
Kwan also hit 25 doubles, stole 19 bases, logged 225 total bases, and even took home a Gold Glove for his stellar defensive play.
On Twitter, the Cleveland Guardians posted a highlight video of Kwan from this season featuring some of his biggest hits and best defensive plays.
Well, he's certainly the Rookie of Year in our book.
Congrats on a great season, @skwanzaa!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/4nJVW5YcjP
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 14, 2022
Kwan’s Memorable 2022 Season
Kwan may have been the spark plug that the Guardians needed in 2022.
He began the 2022 season on an impressive streak of not striking out, quickly claiming the leadoff spot in Cleveland’s lineup for his own.
The 25-year-old also posted an on-base percentage of .373 during the regular season.
Kwan’s emergence this season helped the Guardians defy preseason expectations and win 92 games on their way to clinching their first American League Central title since 2018.
Kwan hit .300 in 30 at-bats during the postseason, hitting a home run in Game 1 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees.
Cleveland ultimately fell short in the ALDS against the Yankees, dropping the final two games of the series after taking a 2-1 lead, but Kwan’s season was one to remember.
The 25-year-old rookie became a threat at the plate and on the bases and even played some Gold Glove-caliber defense.
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