Guardians fans know viral Steven Kwan 'goodbye' video isn't what people think

After the Guardians put the finishing touches on their win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, Steven Kwan turned around and waved to the fans in left field at Progressive Field. 

Given his presence in trade rumors, it may have looked like Kwan was waving goodbye to the fans ahead of an impending move. And while Kwan’s wave may have meant a little more given his uncertain standing on the team’s roster, it’s worth remembering that Kwan does that gesture after every home win. 

So, while Kwan may be traded, him waving to the fans doesn’t mean anything either way. It’s how he celebrates home wins — regardless of his status on the roster. 

Guardians fans know viral Steven Kwan 'goodbye' video isn't what people think

Although Kwan’s wave wasn’t trade deadline related, it’s worth noting that he’s aware that his name is floating around in trade rumors. 

“It’s a crazy time,” Kwan said per The Athletic’s Zack Mesiel (subscription required). “I see it. I’ve never had this happen to me before. But I can’t do anything about it. It will all take care of itself when it comes, but for now, it’s just social media news. It doesn’t mean much.”

Kwan also added that his agent is going to be in town today in case Kwan is traded. 

At this point, it remains to be seen if Kwan is going to be traded. The Padres stood out as one of the top teams interested in him, but they dealt away top prospect Leo De Vries earlier today as a part of their return for Mason Miller from the Athletics. 

The baseball world’s reaction to Kwan’s wave is a tangible example of how much he means to the Guardians. He’ll enter play on Thursday slashing .286/.350/.408 with nine home runs and 38 RBI to go along with 11 steals and 20 doubles. 

That production, coupled with his strong defense and 2 1/2 teams of team control, makes him one of the top options on the trade market. The Guardians have clearly been asking for a king’s ransom for him that only a few teams can afford to pay. 

At this point, it looks like the Dodgers stand out as the top suitors for Kwan given their deep prospect pool and penchant for swinging for the fences at the trade deadline. 

The Guardians have already made some moves today, but a deal for Kwan would stand out as one of the biggest moves in team trade deadline history. 

It remains to be seen if Guardians fans will be waving goodbye to Kwan once the trade deadline is over.