Steven Kwan’s name has been floating around the trade rumor mill since midseason, but as the dust settles on the 2025 campaign, it’s looking more and more like Cleveland isn’t ready to part ways with its standout left fielder.
Back in July, it felt like a deal was imminent. Kwan’s name was hot, the Guardians were in flux, and the trade deadline buzz was real. But Cleveland held firm, and now, with the offseason underway, league insiders suggest that Kwan is likely staying put - and for good reason.
According to multiple league executives, the Guardians don’t appear poised to spend big this winter. But that doesn’t mean they’re punting on contention. In fact, with the AL Central still very much up for grabs, moving a player like Kwan - one of the few consistent offensive threats on the roster - doesn’t align with where this team is headed.
There’s still a sliver of uncertainty. Some insiders peg Kwan’s trade likelihood at around 25%, which is hardly nothing.
And yes, Cleveland has made similar moves in the past, flipping players with team control remaining for long-term pieces. Kwan, under contract for two more seasons, fits that mold.
But context matters - and this Guardians team, fresh off a late-season surge into the postseason, isn’t in teardown mode.
And let’s be clear: Kwan isn’t just a nice piece - he’s essential. He’s one of the most unique players in the league, a throwback in some ways.
Despite lacking elite speed or power, he’s carved out a reputation as one of the best contact hitters in the game. His bat-to-ball skills are elite, his plate discipline is surgical, and he plays a Gold Glove-caliber left field.
That’s not an easy package to replicate.
Kwan’s ability to make the most of his tools - even if they don’t jump off the scouting report - makes him a steady 3-to-4 WAR player. That kind of consistency, especially when paired with his defensive value and on-base ability, is incredibly tough to replace. He doesn’t just help you win games - he helps you set a tone.
Outside of José Ramírez, there isn’t another hitter on this Cleveland roster who brings what Kwan does. He’s a table-setter, a tone-setter, and a stabilizing force in a lineup that has often lacked identity. Trading that away - again - would be a tough sell, especially after a season where the Guardians proved they’re still a factor in the American League.
If Cleveland wants to build on its 2025 postseason run and make a real push in 2026, keeping Kwan in the fold makes a lot more sense than flipping him for prospects. He’s not just a piece of the puzzle - he’s part of the foundation.