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Guardians Consider Trading Star Outfielder
The Cleveland Guardians are reportedly open to listening to trade offers for outfielder Steven Kwan during the upcoming offseason, potentially reshaping the landscape of available outfield talent. FanSided’s Robert Murray stated that it is “entirely possible” that Cleveland will entertain deals for the player, who is scheduled for free agency after the 2027 season.
Kwan, 29, has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in baseball. He is a two-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove Award winner. In 2026, he played left field for the Guardians, appearing in 151 games.
During that season, Kwan posted a .282 batting average, a .382 on-base percentage, and a .349 slugging percentage, resulting in a .731 OPS. He hit three home runs and drove in 32 runs while recording 5.3 WAR.
Trade History and Market Context
Interest in Kwan’s services has appeared previously. The Athletic’s Dennis Lin reported that the Guardians had previously requested San Diego Padres infielder Leo De Vries plus additional prospects in trade discussions involving Kwan.
The potential availability of Kwan comes at a time when several high-profile outfielders are heading to free agency this winter. The list of top available outfielders includes Randy Arozarena, George Springer, Trent Grisham, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Taylor Ward, and Daulton Varsho.
Kwan’s contract status distinguishes him from many of his peers in the current market. Because he is under team control through 2027, he would likely command a lower cost than most pending free agents. However, a team acquiring him via trade would not be guaranteed to retain his services beyond the 2027 campaign.
Postseason Implications
The discussion regarding Kwan’s future coincides with the Guardians’ postseason schedule. On Saturday night, the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians were set to face off in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. The winner of that contest was scheduled to advance to the American League Championship Series to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
While the immediate focus remained on the playoff series, clubs around Major League Baseball in need of outfield help were noted as monitoring the situation regarding Kwan’s availability.
