The Guardians are already showing up in trade chatter, and one of the teams linked to them is the Texas Rangers.
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa pointed to Cleveland outfielders as possible answers for Texas, which is searching for center field help heading into next season. In his view, “Jarren Duran (Red Sox) and Steven Kwan (Guardians) stand out as center field trade candidates, though Kwan in particular will come at a high price. A cheaper, defense-first stopgap like, say, Denzel Clarke (Athletics) or Blake Perkins (Guardians) may be the best short-term option while Carter is on the mend,” Axisa wrote.
Kwan is the bigger name in that group for a reason. He earned an AL Gold Glove nomination in center field after making a clean move over from left, where he had won four straight Gold Gloves from 2022 to 2025. His season at the plate had a rough start - so rough that he nearly got bumped from the lineup and was removed from the leadoff spot - but he settled in after the break and finished with his usual reliable production: .282/.382/.349 and a 114 wRC+.
There’s also the contract angle. Kwan is heading into his final year of arbitration, which could make Cleveland more willing to listen if the return is right.
If the Guardians decide they’d rather move a less expensive piece, Perkins is another name to watch. Cleveland acquired him in the Craig Yoho transaction before the deadline, and he never appeared for the big-league club.
Over his career, Perkins has hit .223/.307/.330 with an 81 wRC+, and his value comes almost entirely from the glove. He’s a no-bat, plus-glove option.
However it plays out, Cleveland looks likely to be involved in the market. The Guardians have roster holes like everyone else, and they also have enough outfield depth to be mentioned in deals. Expect at least one outfielder to come up in trade talks - and possibly to be moved.
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