Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan was among the star players the franchise attempted to move ahead of MLB’s July 31 trade deadline.
The list also included starting pitcher Shane Bieber, who was later dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays, and closer Emmanuel Clase, whose trade interest from other teams waned after he was placed on administrative leave through Aug. 31 while the league conducts an ongoing sports betting investigation. Kwan, however, stayed put in Cleveland, where he remains one of the franchise’s most recognizable names alongside third baseman José Ramírez.
Kwan’s on-field abilities and multiple years of control made him an attractive option on the trade market this season, and the Guardians’ interest in dealing him away makes him a prime candidate to potentially be offloaded this winter, according to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter.
“The Guardians were reportedly ‘trying to move’ Kwan ahead of the deadline, which reads like they were doing more than just entertaining offers and doing due diligence,” Reuter wrote. “If they don’t intend to extend the two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, trading him this winter would be the best way to maximize his value, and there will be no shortage of interested clubs.
“Kwan is never going to be the traditional power-hitting corner outfielder, but he is one of the game’s elite contact hitters. His 16.0 WAR since the start of the 2022 season ranks sixth among all outfielders during that span, and he is the type of well-rounded player who makes any team better.”
Kwan is having another strong season at the plate for the Guardians. In 108 games, he has put together a .284/.345/.399 slash line with nine home runs, 39 RBIs, 57 runs scored and 11 stolen bases.
