The MLB offseason slowed down somewhat following the Winter Meetings and during the holidays. However, with spring training approaching, activity is about to pick up again.
That means sights will be set on Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Without a contract extension that would secure his long-term future with the team, the All-Star will remain the subject of rumors.
Bleacher Report recently named the Guardians veteran among the top trade candidates in baseball.
“With an $8.8 million projected salary in his second year of arbitration, Kwan is one step closer to pricing himself out of Cleveland. The 28-year-old is a four-time Gold Glove winner and an elite contact hitter who has piled up 16.5 WAR over four seasons, but the Guardians’ glaring need for more run production and perennial penny pinching still makes him a logical trade candidate,” Joel Reuter wrote.
Kwan is arguably the Guardians’ second-best player, behind star third baseman Jose Ramirez. The left fielder is also under club control through the 2027 campaign.
So, parting with a productive hitter and excellent defender is unlikely to make Cleveland better this season. Yet, the organization has shown it is willing to trade away players who are about to get more expensive rather than lose them for nothing.
The Guardians decided to keep Kwan at last season’s trade deadline despite offers from several interested teams. It turned out to be the right move as they rallied from far back in the playoff race to surprisingly win the AL Central.
Now, without any reported movement on a potential new contract, and more teams possibly interested and able to acquire Kwan, the Guardians could be ready to make a move. In addition, outfield prospects George Valera and Chase DeLauter are in line to contribute, and it may be time to create room for them.
Kwan has been a vital component in the Guardians’ recent success, but after watching other high-level teammates move on, it may now be his turn to go elsewhere.
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