Stephen Vogt has seen a different mindset in Steven Kwan since moving back in the Cleveland Guardians' lineup.
The Cleveland Guardians made the decision on Friday to move Steven Kwan out of the leadoff spot in the lineup, which was a move even Kwan felt was a little overdue considering his struggles at the plate.
Kwan has been out of the leadoff spot for now four games; it’s a small sample size, but Cleveland’s skipper has seen a change since then. Stephen Vogt believes Kwan just looks more comfortable at the plate.
During the Guardians victory over the Detroit Tigers on, Kwan reached base twice via a double and a walk. It was much more like a typical Steven Kwan game of his past two All-Star seasons.
“I think, really, seeing him kind of relax here the last few days and get back to being himself,” said Vogt after the game. “It's looking really good. He misses a home by six inches, but, gets on, gets on the, on there for the winning run.”
This performance by Kwan is exactly what Cleveland envisioned for him and the team when it decided to move Kwan back in the lineup.
May 2, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) head into the dugout after the eighth inning in a game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn ImagesThe Guardians wanted to give him more lower-leverage opportunities, take away the pressure of being the one to set the tone, and hope he could regain his confidence and form at the plate.
Kwan downplayed some of the success he’s had at the plate, citing the small sample size. He knows that there is still work to do, but is encouraged about the direction he’s headed in.
“It all happens for a reason,” said Kwan after Tuesday’s game. ”Not how you'd want to draw it up and how you just want to start, but it's a new experience, and new experiences, you can learn different things. You rely on other people, and you get different experiences. It's all part of it. I'm just glad to still be here, still be with the teammates, and still win ball games.”
Vogt made it clear when the Guardians made the move with Kwan that they didn’t envision it as a long-term change. Perhaps, if Kwan continues to look more relaxed and that’s leading to more production at the plate, he’ll find himself back in that leadoff role sooner than he or Cleveland expected.
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