As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Cleveland Guardians are emerging as potential sellers, with All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan now reportedly available for the right price, joining closer Emmanuel Clase as a major trade chip.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, who ranked Kwan as the second-best player potentially on the market, the Guardians are not actively shopping him but would be compelled to listen if a team presented an overwhelming offer. “Cleveland doesn’t want to deal him,” Passan noted, “but with a dearth of available bats, the Guardians at the very least will listen.”
While a trade remains a long shot, several contending teams stand out as ideal landing spots for the dynamic outfielder.
### San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are in desperate need of a productive left fielder. Entering the season’s second half, the team’s production from that position has been subpar, with a collective .228/.289/.348 slash line and below-average defensive ratings.
Kwan would be a perfect solution. A two-time Gold Glove winner, the California native provides elite defense, leading all left fielders with 13 Defensive Runs Saved this season. Offensively, his .288 batting average and .352 on-base percentage would be a significant upgrade. With team control through the 2027 season, he represents both an immediate fix and a long-term asset.
### Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have sought consistent production from their outfield and could view Kwan as the ultimate upgrade. While the team has several options, none match Kwan’s combination of elite contact hitting and Gold Glove-caliber defense.
Acquiring Kwan would provide a high-OBP, left-handed bat to lengthen the lineup and a defensive anchor in left field. His affordable contract, which includes two more years of arbitration eligibility after a $4.175 million salary in 2025, would give the high-payroll Phillies valuable financial flexibility for future roster moves.
### New York Mets
Although the New York Mets’ primary outfield need is in center field, a trade for Kwan could significantly boost their offense. The move would likely shift Brandon Nimmo back to center, a position where he has struggled defensively in the past.
This trade would be a clear offense-first gambit, aimed at improving a lineup that has ranked in the middle of the league in runs scored since June 1. Kwan would take over left field, his natural position, providing a consistent bat at the top of the order while a defensive replacement could be used for Nimmo late in games.
### Toronto Blue Jays
While starting pitching remains the Toronto Blue Jays’ top priority, an aggressive move for an impact bat like Kwan is another path the front office could take. Despite the team’s high batting average and on-base percentage, their left fielders have collectively hit just .237 this season.
Adding Kwan would transform an already potent lineup into one of the league’s most formidable. He would provide a different offensive profile than their current power-focused hitters and offer a defensive upgrade over Daulton Varsho in left field, making the Blue Jays a more well-rounded and dangerous team for a postseason run.
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