The Cleveland Guardians have not made any headline-grabbing moves this offseason, which is a familiar way of doing business for the organization. They have a well-earned confidence in what they have in place going into the 2026 season.
However, there is one issue looming over the organization, and it has been for a while. The long-term future of outfielder Steven Kwan remains in doubt, as the sides have not yet reached an agreement on a contract extension.
Unless that happens, Kwan will remain the subject of rumors, and he was recently named among the best MLB trade candidates.
“Shooting for the Moon: Cleveland’s Steven Kwan ($7.725M in 2026, arbitration-eligible in 2027),” Kerry Miller wrote. “In four career seasons in the majors, Kwan has won four Gold Gloves while batting .281. And when he featured prominently in trade speculation this past summer, the general public finally started to appreciate just how valuable he has been. But if Cleveland was unwilling to move its second-best player back when it was sub-.500 and seemingly drawing dead for the postseason, would it really do so now, with as good a chance as any team of winning the AL Central? It only makes sense for the Guardians if they’re getting multiple, MLB-caliber starting pitchers in the deal. Which means the Dodgers and Mets are probably the only plausible trade partners here.”
Seen as the top left fielder potentially available, Kwan’s status will remain a hot topic during spring training and throughout the season. He is a unique player in today’s game, a true leadoff hitter who succeeds more with contact than power.
Add to that his status as one of the best defensive outfielders, and it’s clear why contenders such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets may have an interest in him.
The Mets are an interesting potential trade partner. They have a glaring need in left field, and the organization has preached the need for improvement on defense the entire offseason.
Like the Guardians, the Mets also have one of the best prospect pools in baseball, so they may have several players who could satisfy Cleveland’s perpetual desire to stockpile young, top-level talent. In addition, the teams have obviously been talking recently as they just completed a trade that sent pitching prospect Franklin Gomez to Cleveland.
However, it might be wise for the Guardians to hold on to Kwan, who is under club control through next season, as they attempt to win the AL Central for a third straight year. They could see how young outfield prospects George Valera and Chase DeLauter handle bigger roles, and analyze their place in the standings at the trade deadline.
The Guardians are almost certain to get a substantial return for a player of Kwan’s caliber, but he might be worth more valuable to them right where he is.
NEXT: Guardians Acquire Promising LHP Prospect From Mets
