As the Guardians head into the All-Star break, the conversation around Cleveland’s first half isn’t just about who carried the load. It’s also about who fell the farthest short.
On Saturday, the focus was on the club’s first-half MVP race, where Parker Messick drew plenty of attention but Brayan Rocchio ultimately stood out for the all-around impact that helped keep Cleveland where it is. Now the other side of that coin comes into view: the least valuable player discussion, and there are more than a few names in the mix.
Bo Naylor has been a major disappointment, putting up a 21 wRC+ in the majors this year. Kyle Manzardo, at 90 wRC+, has also underwhelmed relative to the expectations that came with him. In the bullpen, Connor Brogdon and Shawn Armstrong have been subpar, too.
But the player who has missed the mark the most is Steven Kwan.
That’s a hard sentence to write for a player whose career to this point has been packed with accolades and accomplishments, but the numbers this season are impossible to ignore. Even with a key hit in Saturday’s win, Kwan has hit just .221/.330/.279 with an 80 wRC+.
For a hitter who has carried a career 108 wRC+, that’s a steep drop. The power has vanished almost entirely, with just one home run in 350 plate appearances. That’s a rough total for anyone, and it stands out even more because power has never been the centerpiece of Kwan’s game.
The steals haven’t picked up the slack, either. He has only five.
There are still a few things working in his favor. His 13.1 percent walk rate is a career best, and he has improved a bit in recent days.
He also has years of above-average offensive performance behind him. But the underlying indicators are ugly: league-worst bat speed and hard-hit numbers, with contact that has too often looked harmless whenever he swings.
At this point, it’s fair to say Kwan’s struggles have had a real impact on the Guardians. He has been so off his usual standard that he’s drifting into make-or-break territory with the organization. The encouraging signs are there, and he does seem to be trending in the right direction, but the first-half body of work is still sitting there in full view.
In Other News...
Guardians First Place Push Could Soon Get A Major Lineup Lift
The Guardians head into the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak and tied for first in the AL Central, and the timing of that surge matters as much as the record itself. Cleveland has spent much of the first half piecing together its offense, but there are signs the lineup may finally be getting healthier and more dangerous, with Steven Kwan beginning to shake off a rough start, driving in runs and flashing his usual elite defense, while Kyle Manzardo is also showing early signs that his power stroke may be coming around.
Jose Ramirezs return from a hand injury is still a key piece of the puzzle, and Angel Martinez is also working back from a foot injury, giving the club a chance to add impact bats without waiting on outside help. Even if the internal reinforcements arrive on schedule, the front office could still look for more at the trade deadline, especially with young talent and some payroll flexibility giving Cleveland options as it tries to stay on top of the division. [Read more 🡒]
Ralphy Velazquez Put Guardians Fans On Notice At The Futures Game
Ralphy Velazquez used the Futures Game to give Guardians fans another reason to keep an eye on his rise. The first baseman, one of Clevelands top prospects, was in the American League Rising Stars lineup and made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, adding a timely offensive contribution while also flashing the kind of awareness that can stand out in a showcase setting.
Velazquez has already moved quickly this season, beginning at Double-A before reaching Triple-A, where he has continued to look like a bat that belongs on the radar. The Futures Game performance fit the larger picture around him: a young player whose path is moving upward, with enough polish to make a national audience take notice and enough upside to leave Cleveland wondering how soon he might force the issue. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Face A Rotation Decision Fans Have Been Dreading
Foster Griffins rise with Washington has turned him into one of the more interesting names on the market, and it is easy to see why clubs in need of rotation help would be paying attention. Signed to a one-year deal, the left-hander has given the Nationals exactly the kind of stability they were hoping for, working to a 2.77 ERA with 109 strikeouts in a little more than 110 innings while earning an All-Star nod as a replacement.
For Cleveland, the appeal is obvious because Griffin profiles as a solid No. 3 starter, the sort of arm that can deepen a staff without asking too much of the rest of the rotation. The catch is just as obvious: any serious pursuit would likely force the Guardians into a difficult roster decision, and those are the kinds of moves front offices usually prefer to avoid unless they are convinced the upgrade is worth the cost. [Read more 🡒]