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Phillies Urged to Make Bold Trade for Three-Time Gold Glove Winner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 12:15 PM ET

As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, one thing is clear: the Philadelphia Phillies will be active.

At 37-24, Philadelphia sits just one-and-a-half games behind the first-place New York Mets in the National League East and has the look of a team ready to chase another World Series appearance. But to turn that ambition into reality, the front office knows upgrades are needed — especially in the outfield.

According to Tim Kelly of OnPattison.com, Philadelphia might explore a bolder move: targeting Cleveland Guardians All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan.

It’s a long shot, but one Kelly suggests is worth a phone call. And honestly, he might be right.

Kwan, 27, is the kind of all-around talent who fits perfectly into a contending lineup. He’s a high-contact hitter with elite on-base skills and the defensive hardware to match — having already earned three straight Gold Glove Awards in left field.

So far in 2025, Kwan is slashing .312/.373/.433 with five home runs and 21 RBIs across 59 games — a clear upgrade from what the Phillies have been getting out of the position.

Philadelphia’s left-field production has been underwhelming this season. Primary starter Max Kepler has six home runs, 21 RBIs, and a mediocre .221/.307/.387 slash line — far below what’s needed from a playoff-caliber roster.

Of course, prying Kwan away from Cleveland wouldn’t be easy. The Guardians would likely require a substantial return to even consider moving him. But for a Phillies team in win-now mode with an aggressive front office led by Dave Dombrowski, it’s the kind of bold swing that could push them over the top.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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