When it rains, it pours for the Cleveland Guardians.
With the trade deadline looming, star closer Emmanuel Clase has now been placed on non-disciplinary leave as a part of the same gambling investigation that involved Luis L. Ortiz.
That puts the team in a tough spot, as they will now reconsider their stance about some of their best players.
Clase was expected to be heavily pursued.
But with their chances for the remainder of the season looking slim, they might be open to trading Steven Kwan.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, there are at least four teams showing strong interest in his services right now:
“Kwan, 27, is earning $4.175 million this season and under club control through salary arbitration for two years after that. He is drawing ‘a ton’ of interest, according to a club source, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres believed to be among the teams in the mix,” Rosenthal wrote.
Kwan is a rising star and a fan favorite, and he might be the best position player who could be available at the deadline.
He’s not going to be a financial burden for any team that trades for him, and there will be no rush to sign him to a contract extension.
Likewise, that could also make the Guardians keep him around for a little longer.
They have failed to agree on an extension, but they could have the entire offseason to either try to do so or send him to the highest bidder.
The Guardians don’t necessarily have to trade him right now or at all.
But after losing Clase, it would be hard not to listen to a Godfather-like offer if a team is willing to make a big push to get him.
NEXT: Insider Reveals What Guardians Could Acquire For Shane Bieber
