The Cleveland Guardians Are Open To Trading Steven Kwan

The Cleveland Guardians have made headlines throughout the offseason for many of the wrong reasons. After an abrupt playoff exit, the Guardians will try to retool their roster and take back the American League Central. They are listening to offers for players on their current roster, including star outfielder Steven Kwan.

Guardians Now Open To Moving Kwan

At the MLB Trade Deadline, the rumors were rapidly swirling that Cleveland would be willing to trade Kwan with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. They ended up holding onto Kwan and making a late push to the postseason. Heading into a pivotal offseason, it appears that Cleveland is now fully open to moving on from the two-time All-Star. Per Jim Bowden, the Guardians are open to trading OF Steven Kwan this offseason to add more power and a better CF option.

The Guardians have relied on the small ball to be the identity of their team, and getting rid of Kwan would change that drastically. Kwan is known as one of the biggest pests on the field for opposing teams and is always a tough out, no matter the situation. He’d fit perfectly on any contending team in need of a leadoff hitter and will give them above-average defense in left field. 

Potential Suitors For Kwan

They’re listed as potential suitors for what seems to be every player in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles had interest in Kwan at the deadline, and was considered the team to beat had Cleveland gone through with it and dealt the star outfielder. The Dodgers are searching for outfield help this offseason, and Kwan would fit perfectly in their lineup.

The New York Yankees would also be a great fit for Kwan. New York hasn’t had a true leadoff hitter in years, and is in desperate need of a true contact hitter who can work a long at bat and get on base at a high level. We saw how much Trent Grisham hurt them in the postseason in the leadoff position, especially when Aaron Judge did so much damage with no one on base ahead of him. Not to mention their top prospect Spencer Jones is a center fielder with great defense and amazing power, which is exactly what the Guardians are looking for. 

Heading back into the National League, I’d also add the Philadelphia Phillies to the list. The Phillies were said to have interest in Kwan at the time of the Deadline, and he would fit at any of the three positions in the outfield. The only problem with Kwan is that he lacks power, which is something the Phillies outfield desperately needs.