When you think of Steven Kwan, the first thing that pops into your mind is a speedy, contact-first hitter.
In many ways, the Cleveland Guardians star left fielder is an old-fashioned leadoff hitter: elite contact skills, excellent plate discipline, and impressive wheels.
This is all true, but there is much more to Kwan’s game than meets the eye.
He has learned, in the last two campaigns, to punish inside pitches, to the point that he is among the best in the league in this particular situation.
Fun fact: Steven Kwan ROASTS inside pitches 💥 pic.twitter.com/L3ZwLALIRy
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 13, 2025
Kwan, according to MLB Network, is third in baseball in slugging percentage on inside pitches among those with a minimum of 75 plate appearances since 2024.
The number is not too shabby: a .750 slugging percentage.
It’s another proof that Kwan is more than just a no-power leadoff man.
He is a complete offensive machine, evidenced by his career 118 wRC+ and his current 142 mark in 2025.
Last year, an unfortunate injury limited him to 122 games, in which he homered 14 times.
There is a good chance he would have logged his first career 20-homer season in 2024 had he stayed healthy.
He is going for that number in 2025 and is off to a good start with two long balls in 15 games.
Kwan remains the Guardians’ firmest contract extension candidate now that pitcher Tanner Bibee has been locked up for the next five years (possibly six.)
He could get a boatload of money, though, since he is an asset in the three facets of the game: hitting, defense, and baserunning.
He is the Guardians’ X-factor and could be the difference between a mere push to make the postseason and a bonafide playoff run.
NEXT: Guardians Prospect Wins Weekly Award In Double-A
