If the Cleveland Guardians make a big move this offseason, it
There’s going to be plenty of talk surrounding the Cleveland Guardians this offseason about what they could, should, or won’t do in free agency and in potential trade negotiations.
Every MLB team contender is wondering the same questions when it comes to Chris Antonetti’s plans: What will the Guardians do with Steven Kwan this winter?
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently put together a list of each team’s “biggest trade candidate” this offseason, and unsurprisingly listed Kwan for Cleveland.
"One winter removed from trading away all of Josh Naylor, Andrés Giménez and Myles Straw in the name of reducing costs, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see the Guardians part with their final two years of control on this two-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove left fielder. In fact, this could be where the aforementioned Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (and more from NYY) lands, as the Yankees could clearly use Kwan," wrote Miller.
Kwan is coming off his fourth-straight Gold Glove season, while also recording a .272/.330/.374 slash line in another All-Star season.
It’s no surprise that Kwan is popping up in trade speculation, given he has two years of team control left, will only continue to make more in arbitration, and this has historically been when Cleveland moves on from players in similar positions, such as Naylor.
Jul 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) celebrates after hitting an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesGimenez and Straw, as Miller mentions, were in very different situations with each of their regressing offensive numbers.
If Kwan is on the move though, it would be hard to see the Yankees being the team to land him. There's just not much in New York's farm system that fit the Guardians mold.
There’s a case to be made that the Guardians should trade the two-time All-Star, but there’s also an argument to be made that Cleveland should hold onto him for at least the start of the 2026 season.
The Guardians reportedly took offers on Kwan ahead of last year’s deadline, but ultimately chose to keep the four-time Gold Glove winner. Teams will likely come calling again this offseason, but that doesn’t mean Cleveland will definitely trade him.
Kwan is definitely Cleveland’s “biggest trade candidate,” but it’ll still be interesting to see what the Guardians could get for him this offseason, or if his value will be higher heading into next year’s trade deadline.