Key Stat Shows Steven Kwan’s Consistency Through The Years

It’s amazing how sample sizes can cause a meltdown in an entire fan base. After the first half of the 2026 season ended, Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan had posted an 81 wRC+ with a .225 batting average and a .614 OPS.

He lost his leadoff spot for weeks; fans called for his demotion or removal via trade, while others showed regret for last year’s failed trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers. These reactions were, at the very least, understandable. MLB players are paid to hit and produce, and when they don’t, it’s logical that they lose their everyday role or, in some cases, their job.

Manager Stephen Vogt, however, stuck by his longtime left fielder and continued to play him virtually every day. Eventually, when the sample got large enough, it turned out that Kwan is almost as productive as ever.

After hitting .351/.437/.431 with a .868 OPS and a 153 wRC+ after the break and through Thursday, Kwan’s season line is up to a much more decent .277/.375/.344, a .719 OPS, and a 111 wRC+. Yes, the power has evaporated somewhat, and it was never significant to begin with, but the outfielder has more walks than strikeouts and remains a well-rounded ballplayer.

That last statement is validated by his fWAR progression as a major leaguer. Kwan is the definition of consistency, as the folks at Just Baseball point out.

“Steven Kwan’s fWAR by year: 2022: 4.7, 2023: 3.0, 2024: 4.1, 2025: 3.1, 2026: 3.4. He continues to be as consistent as they come,” they said.

Steven Kwan's fWAR by year:

2022: 4.7
2023: 3.0
2024: 4.1
2025: 3.1
2026: 3.4

He continues to be as consistent as they come 💪 pic.twitter.com/WI0VOTbky7

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) September 17, 2026

Kwan’s best year by fWAR was 2022, back when he was a rookie. He also posted an amazing campaign in 2024, when he became an All-Star for the first time.

As it turns out, his third-best season might just be 2026. It seems crazy, given how bad he was prior to the break, but he has been so good since late June that he not only returned to his customary leadoff spot, but he also managed to kickstart the Guardians’ offense in the process.

On top of his above-average bat, he also contributes on the basepaths, where he rarely makes a mistake and has racked up 10 stolen bases, and on defense. Kwan has been excellent as a center fielder and in his usual left field spot, increasing his fWAR output.

It’s safe to say that Kwan has won Guardians’ fans back. It took some blood, sweat, and tears, but it happened.