The Cleveland Guardians made headlines this offseason by securing Jose Ramirez with a seven-year, $175 million extension, ensuring the star remains in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. This move has certainly pleased the fans, but it raises questions about the future of another key player: Steven Kwan.
Kwan, who has been the subject of trade rumors over the past year, is set to continue as the Guardians' left fielder in 2026. He's aiming for a fifth consecutive Gold Glove and will once again take his place at the top of the batting order. With no trade in sight, the possibility of a contract extension for Kwan is an intriguing prospect, and he recently addressed this topic during Spring Training.
In a conversation with Mason Horodyski from WEWS, Kwan hinted that while discussions about an extension might happen, they aren't a pressing concern just yet. "I think they start getting more realistic near the end of Spring Training," Kwan shared.
"I haven’t heard anything, and it’s not my job to get digging or get hopeful. We’ll see what happens later in camp."
Kwan remains a steady presence in an otherwise uncertain outfield. With the other two spots still open, young talents like Chase DeLauter and George Valera are vying for a starting role alongside him. However, with only 41 combined regular-season at-bats between them, there's a lot riding on their development.
This uncertainty might push the Guardians' front office to prioritize extending Kwan's contract. Manager Stephen Vogt has hinted at possible changes, including Kwan taking on some reps in center field, but nothing is finalized yet.
As Spring Training unfolds, securing Kwan with a new contract would signal the Guardians' commitment to winning. It would also provide stability for Kwan, freeing him from another year of trade speculation. For a team looking to build momentum, retaining a player of Kwan's caliber seems like a wise move.