Steven Kwan has joined an elite group of Cleveland Guardians outfielders by earning his fourth consecutive Gold Glove Award in his four Major League seasons.
The left fielder now matches Kenny Lofton for the most Gold Gloves by an outfielder in franchise history, a distinction that carries particular weight given Lofton’s eleven-year tenure and established legacy with the organization. At 28 years old, Kwan has recognized the significance of equaling Lofton’s achievement.
The Guardians outfielder recently reflected on what the award represents to him beyond individual accolades.
“It’s super validating,” Kwan said. “My wife makes fun of me because I always have the clichés, but I think it’s really true. My dad ingrained that to me when I was really young that defense never slumps. It’s always really important. As a guy who wasn’t a bat-first guy in college and high school, it was something I knew that I needed to focus on to stay in baseball. I look at this award as super affirming to all of those things.”
Kwan’s defensive excellence during the 2025 season produced career-best metrics across multiple categories. He led all fielders with 22 Defensive Runs Saved while finishing first among outfielders with 13 assists and preventing seven additional runs via baserunner advancement.
His performance in the field extended beyond those statistics, as he consistently fielded balls cleanly and returned them to the infield with precision and efficiency.
The Gold Glove also reflects contributions from those around him. Kwan acknowledged that his assist totals depend on teammates completing plays, and he credited Guardians outfield coach JT Maguire for his instrumental role in player development.
Maguire has spent seven seasons with the organization, including the past three as Cleveland’s outfield and baserunning coach.
Their connection predates his current role, as Maguire was hired before the 2019 season as bench coach for Cleveland’s Arizona Complex League affiliate, the same offseason Kwan joined the organization following his selection in the fifth round of the 2018 Draft.
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