If the Cleveland Guardians do end up trading Steven Kwan this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies all feel like logical landing spots for the All-Star outfielder.
The Steven Kwan trade rumors aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Cleveland Guardians' All-Star outfielder could be one of the most sought-after players on the trade market all offseason.
That said, which teams would be a fit to acquire Kwan, and who has the pieces that would incentivize the Guardians to trade him if a deal does get done?
Los Angeles Dodgers
This first candidate may ruffle some feathers, but it’s hard not to view the Los Angeles Dodgers as a potential trade candidate for Kwan. In fact, there have already been reports that the back-to-back World Series champions will check with the Guardians about him this winter.
Cleveland should be asking for a near big-league-ready prospect and young players who could impact the team down the line.
The Guardians would certainly be interested in Dodgers' OF Josue De Paula, INF Alex Freeland, or LHP Jackson Merris as the headliner to a possible Kwan trade.
May 10, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) fields a ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesSan Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres’ farm system is nearly depleted after their Mason Miller trade at last year’s deadline.
However, San Diego was one of the teams reportedly interested in Kwan last July, and the Guardians have such a strong trade history with the organization that it would make sense for the two front offices to agree to another deal this winter.
The Padres have stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill in the outfield, but are relatively thin behind them. From Cleveland’s perspective, sending Kwan to San Diego could help it find one of the pieces it’s looking for this offseason.
The Guardians are seeking more bullpen help. Could the Padres' potential inclusion of LHP Wandy Peralta, LHP Adrian Morejon, or RHP David Morgan on top of a prospect of two incentivize Cleveland to get a deal done?
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies should have their eyes set on winning it all next season. Would Dave Dombrowski be willing to risk the organization’s future in a Kwan trade, to help Philly win a World Series in 2026?
All three of Philadelphia’s top prospects, RHP Andrew Painter, SS Aidan Millier, and OF Justin Crawford, are on the verge of their big-league debuts.
For the Guardians, this would mean an immediate impact for the big-league roster, plus cost-controlled talent for the next half-decade.