Steven Kwan Trade Rumors Heating Up Again: Who Could Make a Move for Cleveland’s Gold Glove Outfielder?
Steven Kwan’s name was all over the rumor mill at the 2025 trade deadline, but when the dust settled, he was still wearing a Guardians uniform. Cleveland decided to keep its elite left fielder for a late-season playoff push-and it paid off.
Now, with the offseason in full swing, the conversation around Kwan is picking right back up. And make no mistake, the interest is real.
Kwan, now entering his fifth MLB season, is still under team control through 2027, which gives Cleveland some serious leverage. But that also means his trade value might never be higher than it is right now. If the Guardians are looking to retool or add long-term assets, this could be the window to move a player whose profile is as unique as it is valuable.
Let’s start with what makes Kwan such a hot commodity. He’s won the Gold Glove in left field every year he’s been in the majors-four for four.
That kind of defensive consistency is rare, and it’s not just the hardware that tells the story. Kwan is a fundamentally sound, instinctual outfielder who covers ground, takes smart routes, and rarely makes mistakes.
Add in his offensive profile-a contact-first hitter with elite bat control-and it’s easy to see why contenders are lining up for a shot at him.
He’s not going to lead the league in home runs, but that’s not his game. Kwan is the kind of player who lengthens a lineup, keeps innings alive, and puts pressure on defenses.
He slashed .272/.330/.374 in 2025, chipped in 11 home runs, drove in 56 runs, and stole 21 bases. But perhaps the most eye-popping stat?
He struck out in just 8.7% of his plate appearances-the best mark of his career and fourth-lowest in all of Major League Baseball. In an era where strikeouts are up across the board, that kind of contact ability is gold.
So who could come calling this winter?
New York Yankees: A Perfect Fit in the Bronx
Let’s start with the Yankees, because the fit here is almost too obvious. New York led all of baseball in home runs last season-274 bombs, 30 more than the next best team.
But for all that power, they lacked balance. The Yankees were third in the league in strikeouts and finished just 10th in batting average.
They had the best OPS in baseball, sure, but when the home runs weren’t flying, the offense could stall.
Enter Steven Kwan.
Kwan would give the Yankees something they’ve been missing-a true contact hitter who can set the table and keep the line moving. He’d slot perfectly into the top or middle of the order, giving New York a different look against elite pitching, especially in October.
And then there’s the defense. Jasson Dominguez got most of the reps in left field last season, and to be blunt, it didn’t go well.
He ranked dead last among qualified left fielders in both outs above average (-10) and defensive runs prevented (-9). With Cody Bellinger potentially heading out the door in free agency, the Yankees have a glaring need for a reliable glove in the outfield.
Kwan would instantly upgrade their defense and bring a level of consistency that’s been lacking.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Revisiting a Missed Opportunity
The Dodgers were close to landing Kwan at the trade deadline, but the deal fell through. Now, with another World Series title under their belt, L.A. might be ready to circle back and finish what they started.
Michael Conforto handled most of the left field duties for the Dodgers in 2025, but his season was uneven on both sides of the ball. Kwan would be a clear upgrade-offensively, defensively, and in terms of overall reliability. He’s the kind of player who fits seamlessly into the Dodgers’ system: high IQ, versatile, and low-maintenance.
And if Cleveland is looking for prospects, there’s no better trade partner than L.A. The Dodgers boast the best farm system in baseball, stacked with talent at every level.
They have the pieces to make a deal happen without gutting their major league roster. If they want Kwan, they can get him.
Toronto Blue Jays: A Stylistic Match
The Blue Jays made a surprise run to the World Series in 2025 by leaning into a throwback style of play-put the ball in play, move runners, and manufacture runs. They weren’t trying to outslug anyone; they were trying to out-execute them. And it worked.
That’s why Kwan would be such a natural fit in Toronto.
Only the Royals struck out less often than the Blue Jays last season, and adding Kwan would only reinforce that identity. He’s a perfect match for their approach at the plate-disciplined, contact-oriented, and capable of grinding out tough at-bats.
Toronto also lagged behind on the basepaths, ranking 28th in stolen bases with just 77 swipes as a team. Kwan stole 21 on his own. That kind of speed and aggressiveness would bring a new dimension to the Jays’ offense and help them create more scoring opportunities without relying on the long ball.
What’s Next for Cleveland?
The Guardians are in an interesting spot. They’ve got a foundational player in Kwan, but they also have to consider the big picture.
If they believe they can compete in the next couple of years, keeping him makes sense. But if they’re looking to build for the long haul, now might be the time to cash in.
Kwan’s trade value is sky-high, and there’s no shortage of suitors. Whether it’s the power-heavy Yankees looking for balance, the deep-pocketed Dodgers chasing another title, or the contact-happy Blue Jays trying to stay true to their identity, Kwan is the kind of player who can elevate a contender.
He’s not flashy. He’s not loud. But Steven Kwan plays winning baseball-and that’s exactly what makes him so valuable.
