Steven Kwan is in line to play for the Cleveland Guardians for the next two seasons, but the organization is already making plans for his future beyond that. After failing to come to terms on a contract extension, they need to be proactive when it comes to the All-Star left fielder.
The already complex situation could be made even more difficult by baseball’s upcoming labor negotiations. It is unclear if the qualifying offer system will remain in the next agreement, so the Guardians may want to get ahead of that possibility.
It could mean that they will part with Kwan before they want to or need to. However, an earlier than desired trade could be the only safe avenue Cleveland has.
Insider Paul Hoynes recently revealed a potential worrisome scenario for Kwan and suggested the Guardians should avoid losing him as a free agent for nothing.
“It would be difficult for me, if I’m the Guardians’ front office, to let Steven Kwan play the next two years and not make him a qualifying offer, then just let him walk for nothing. You get nothing in return,” Hoynes said.
Kwan is currently under club control through the 2027 season. Then, as the rules stand now, the Guardians could make him a qualifying offer prior to him becoming a free agent, and if he were to sign elsewhere for 2028, they would receive draft pick compensation in return.
However, the collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players’ association expires following this season. With a contentious negotiation expected, and the chance of a work stoppage looming, there is no way of knowing what the new rules will look like coming out of that.
Kwan reportedly avoided arbitration this offseason by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $7.75 million. Though that almost doubles his 2025 salary, it is still well below market value for a two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner.
That likely suits the budget-conscious Guardians just fine, but it may not be satisfactory to Kwan. If the sides can’t come up with an extension that would secure his services for the long term, Cleveland may have no choice but to trade him, perhaps as soon as this season’s deadline.
It would be difficult to part with such a good player who is also a fan favorite, but the Guardians may be backed into a corner where they can’t find a better way out.
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