The Cleveland Guardians explored trading Steven Kwan at this year’s deadline, but their asking price discouraged serious interest from potential suitors. As the offseason progresses, speculation surrounding a potential deal has intensified significantly.
Many fans view Kwan as a cornerstone piece that would be difficult to move without justified reasoning from the front office. However, recent performance trends complicate the picture considerably.
According to Guardians Prospective, Kwan posted a 99 wRC+ for the full 2025 season but has shown troubling second-half declines over the past two years.
His second-half numbers in 2025 included a .254 batting average, .310 on-base percentage, .345 slugging percentage, and an 85 wRC+. The 2024 second half revealed similar concerns with a .206 average, .316 OBP, .302 slugging percentage, and an identical 85 wRC+.
Kwan had a pedestrian 99 wRC+ in 2025 and he has faded drastically over the 2nd half the past two seasons.
Second half:
2025
AVG .254
OBP .310
SLG .345
OPS .655
wRC+ 852024
AVG .206
OBP .316
SLG .302
OPS .618
wRC+ 85 https://t.co/iyfFgHkMRt— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) November 21, 2025
Trade rumors have accelerated, with franchises like the New York Yankees reportedly monitoring the situation. Kwan’s defensive versatility and contact skills appeal to clubs seeking offensive upgrades.
For Cleveland, the speculation reflects a dual pressure, managing payroll constraints while addressing offensive deficiencies that plagued the roster this season. The Guardians face a genuine dilemma balancing Kwan’s proven defense and lineup stability against long-term financial commitments and offensive production concerns.
Trading from an already offensively challenged roster presents complications the organization must carefully evaluate. Any deal would need to return substantial offensive value to justify the move.
Kwan remains just 28 years old and enters his fifth major league season with considerable upside ahead. His consistent excellence raises questions about optimal timing for a potential trade.
The left fielder has earned Gold Glove recognition every season in the majors while maintaining a reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable contact hitters.
Any team acquiring Kwan would gain a dependable, high-contact offensive contributor alongside elite defensive play. Those attributes make him an attractive target for clubs seeking both immediate stability and long-term value in their lineup construction.
NEXT: Guardians Urged To Address Major Roster Concerns
