The Cleveland Guardians had high hopes for Steven Kwan this season.
The All-Star outfielder was expected to take another leap on offense, and that has certainly been the case so far.
Nevertheless, as much of a factor as he has been at the plate so far, his defense has been even more spectacular.
That’s why manager Stephen Vogt didn’t hold back and showered him with praise after the team’s 5-3 comeback win against the Toronto Blue Jays:
“[Steven Kwan] so good at making a base runner just kind of stutter step and then all of a sudden they’re thrown out by a foot at the plate,” Vogt said. “His throws are accurate. He gets his body into position as he’s catching the ball to make throws. He is always thinking ahead of how he can change the game with his defense.”
Kwan is now a three-time Gold Glove Award winner, and he’s taken big steps in terms of messing with the runners’ timing as they try to round the bases.
That was on full display again on Saturday when he threw an absolute dart from left field to get Vladimir Guerrero Jr. when he tried to extend a hit into a double.
He was also a major offensive factor in the win.
He hit a leadoff single in the ninth inning that eventually led to Daniel Schneemann’s game-winning Grand Slam.
With that performance, Kwan drove his road batting average all the way to .373, and it was his 13th multi-game hit of the season.
He leads the majors with a 91.8% contact rate, and he’s second in strikeout rate (9.9%), third in batting average, and fourth in total hits (43) in the American League.
NEXT: Daniel Schneemann Joined Historic MLB Company On Saturday
