The Cleveland Guardians entered this season with big questions about their offense.
Fast forward to today, and those questions only got bigger.
Nevertheless, instead of looking to add firepower at the trade deadline, they might do the opposite.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, there’s a strong possibility that the Guardians will trade Steven Kwan, with Jose Ramirez being the only truly untouchable player for the organization.
“Kwan, he’s got years to go (on his contract). I’m always saying I’d be surprised if he’s traded, but there are a lot of serious talks going on right now about Kwan. We can’t be shocked if he’s traded,” Heyman said. “I’m still going to be a little bit surprised because they really need offense more than anything and trading Kwan sets you back on offense. … I think the Guardians are talking about anybody and anything except for Jose Ramirez.”
It doesn’t make any sense to trade Kwan right now.
He is under team control through the 2027 season, and the Guardians reportedly have been trying to sign him to a contract extension.
Even if they can’t pull that off, and even if Kwan tells them he wants to leave, they could wait until the offseason to trade him.
His value might be even higher then, when more teams could make an offer.
Kwan is on a cheap contract and under club control, so it’s hard to believe they will find equal value in return, at least for the foreseeable future.
The Guardians have a long history of trading their star players before they get too expensive, but moving on from Kwan would not only be throwing in the towel on this season but also beyond.
The team is in desperate need of help in the outfield, and moving on from the only consistent contributor they have, not to mention a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove winner, would be a disservice to the team and its fans.
NEXT: Guardians Warned Against Moving Key Pitcher At Trade Deadline
