Guardians’ Steven Kwan front and center in MLB Trade Rumors’ list of trade candidates

It’s already been a noteworthy offseason for Steven Kwan, who won his fourth-straight Gold Glove, making him the third player in MLB history to open their career by winning four straight Gold Gloves. 

But that history could end up being the appetizer to an eventful offseason. After being a mainstay in trade rumors at the trade deadline, Kwan’s name should be all over the rumor mill this offseason as the Guardians try to figure out their future. 

The first fires of the hot stove were lit last week when MLB Trade Rumors Steve Adams published his list of the top 40 trade candidates for this offseason, where Kwan came in 14th. He was the third highest-ranked outfielder on the list behind Boston’s Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, who were 12th and 13th. 

Steven Kwan is going to be in the thick of trade rumors this offseason 

The trade whispers around Kwan rose to a slight shout (or yell of agony) at the trade deadline. Kwan’s name was featured on nearly every insider’s trade list. In fact, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand went as far as to say the Guardians were actively shopping Kwan and Bieber ahead of the trade deadline. 

While Bieber ended up being dealt to the Blue Jays, Kwan stayed in Cleveland and helped push the Guardians to a postseason spot. While he only hit .254 in the second half, his staying in Cleveland helped unite the clubhouse, unlike in 2023 when the front office traded away Josh Bell and Aaron Civale and the clubhouse revolted. 

The biggest question the Guardians need to answer is how he fits into the future. He’s a four-time Gold Glove winner who has been a staple in the leadoff spot, but he’s struggled in the second half throughout his career and is projected to make $8.8 million next year via arbitration. 

That’s a fairly reasonable sum in today’s MLB, but the Guardians almost always have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball.

But it’s not like the Guardians would give Kwan away for nothing. Their asking price for him in the summer started with one premium prospect, and that likely won’t be any different this winter. While he has a half-season less of control, he’s still under control through arbitration for two more seasons and is one of the best defensive players in the game (to say nothing of his pesky approach at the plate). 

Adams speculated the Guardians could consider using Kwan to add to their starting pitching situation, which has a lot of major league talent but not a lot of minor league depth.

Kwan has spoken about a desire to stay in Cleveland long-term, but there hasn’t been any traction made in any potential extension talks. 

The Guardians have a frustrating history of trading talented players as they get close to free agency, and it seems like Kwan is destined to follow that path. At this point, it’s just a matter of whether that trade will come in this offseason or sometime after it.