Guardians need to pull trigger on Steven Kwan extension before start of 2026 season

While the Cleveland Guardians have handed out a variety of long-term extensions over the past couple seasons, Tanner Bibee and José Ramírez are the only two players on the Guardians' roster who are signed past 2027.

That said, the Guardians have a clear extension canidate in four-time Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan, who is set to hit free agency after the 2027.

And although there hasn't been a ton of movement on a Kwan extension in recent seasons, there's still more than enough time for the Guardians' front office to do what's necessary to ink Kwan to a long-term extension.

The Guardians need to stop stalling and sign Steven Kwan to an extension

The Guardians signed the 28-year-old Kwan to a one-year, $7.725 million deal over the offseason in his second foray through free agency. It may seem hard to believe, but that total makes him the second-highest paid player on the Guardians' payroll.

In fact, Kwan has only made $12.2 million over the past four season while racking up four consecutive Gold Glove seasons in left field and two All-Star nods.

That alone has made him one of the best outfielders in the game — regardless of what his salary is. Paying him less than $8 million is already wild to think about, but not extending him to a long-term contract is inexcusable.

Kwan finished last season with a .272 batting average, 11 home runs, 56 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He also walked 55 times compared to 60 strikeouts.

When looking back from the mid-1990s to now, Francisco Lindor and Kenny Lofton stand out as two of the most dynamic hitters the Guardians have had at the top of their lineup. At this point, Kwan's production and significance to the offense has reached the same levels they had.

While Kwan's been great in left field, the Guardians are considering moving him to center field to help the Guardians maximize their lineup.

There is a chance a four-time Gold Glove winner could move from his best position to open the door for young outfielders like George Valera, Chase DeLauter and others.

If that is the case, the Guardians have no excuse for giving him an extension after making such a team-friendly move. He's a leadoff hitters who drives up pitch counts and gets on base, which goes a long way toward helping the Guardians' offense.

Ramírez is going to make a little more than $18 million a year as a part of his new extension, and the Guardians should be able to ink Kwan to a contract worth less than that (so long as he's willing to go there).

If the Guardians are able to do so for a contract in the seven-year range, it would give the Guardians a 1-2 punch until Ramírez contract ends.

When a team has one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball who can also get on base and steal a base, he's worth extending long-term.

Could an extension happen? Yes, especially since the Guardians have been willing to work to agree on spring training extensions with players in years prior.

If they want to take the next step and show the fanbase they are serious about being contenders, they need to sign Kwan to an extension.