Steven Kwan Is On A Hot Streak Since The All-Star Break

Though it may have been difficult to remain patient, it was only a matter of time before Steven Kwan turned things around for the Cleveland Guardians. His slow start to the season lasted much longer than anyone would have liked, but the All-Star outfielder is rounding into form for the most important part of the season.

Kwan’s struggles could be attributed to a number of factors, including his move from left field to center field and a personal matter that took him away from the team for a few days two months ago. His batting average was below .200, and he was moved out of the leadoff spot he held for most of his five-year career.

The 28-year-old seems to have adapted to hitting near the bottom of the order, and Kwan is on a hot streak since the All-Star break, batting over .400 in those 13 games.

“The good news is that Kwan is hitting again. He hit .390 (30 for 77) in July and is hitting .417 (20 for 48) since the All-Star break. He entered the break hitting .225 (67 for 298),” Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com wrote.

Kwan has raised his batting average for the season to .251, but his slugging percentage remains a paltry .312, which would be his career worst by almost 60 points. He has just 17 extra-base hits with one home run after reaching double-digit homers the previous two seasons.

That would not be as glaring if he were still the pesky leadoff hitter, or if the entire Guardians lineup wasn’t struggling as a whole. Cleveland is tied for last in the majors in runs scored, and is 27th in home runs, just six from the bottom.

Kwan’s resurgence may have lessened the urgency for the Guardians to add an outfielder before the upcoming MLB trade deadline, but they are still likely to be in the market for a power hitter, if they can find one. Cleveland’s outfielders have combined for a .663 OPS this season, another number that is among the worst in baseball.

On the bright side, if Kwan can keep up this level of production, and Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez return to their level of play coming off the injured list, the Guardians should be able to remain in contention in the tight AL playoff race.