Astros Eye Guardians’ Steven Kwan to Rebuild Post-Down Season

The Houston Astros entered the 2026 offseason facing a critical roster-replenishment challenge after missing the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. Key departures—Alex Bregman, Justin Verlander, and Kyle Tucker—left noticeable gaps, contributing to a rare down year for the franchise. Despite the losses, Houston retains a strong core of players and a well-respected development system, meaning the team’s championship window is still open.

One potential solution for the Astros is acquiring Steven Kwan from the Cleveland Guardians. Kwan, a four-time Gold Glove winner and two-time All-Star, has earned a reputation as one of baseball’s elite defensive outfielders while consistently putting the ball in play as a contact hitter. With a career .281 batting average, he offers both offensive and defensive stability to complement the Astros’ roster.

Adding Kwan would also allow veteran second baseman Jose Altuve to return to his natural infield position. Altuve spent part of 2025 in left field, but his value is maximized at second base, and Kwan’s presence in the outfield would provide a seamless solution. Meanwhile, the Guardians could benefit from the trade by receiving a package of prospects, giving them a foundation for a rebuild as they navigate their current competitive limbo.

For Houston, securing Kwan aligns with the team’s broader offseason goals: replacing lost star talent, shoring up defensive reliability, and maintaining a competitive rotation. Alongside trade targets, the Astros must also prioritize retaining Framber Valdez, a free-agent pitcher whose potential departure could compound last year’s talent losses.

1. Kwan’s Value to Houston

Steven Kwan has been one of baseball’s most consistent defenders over the past four seasons. He has earned Gold Gloves in each of his major league campaigns, showcasing elite range and reliable hands in left field. His defensive skills alone make him a premium asset for a team like the Astros, who emphasize run prevention and efficiency. At the plate, Kwan has proven to be an exceptional contact hitter, putting the ball in play and limiting strikeouts. While not a traditional power threat, his ability to reach base and move runners makes him an ideal complement to Houston’s lineup. Over his career, he has maintained a .281 batting average and produced consistent offensive contributions even against high-quality pitching. By acquiring Kwan, the Astros can optimize the roster structure, allowing Altuve to focus on second base while Kwan patrols left field. The addition would help fill the void left by the departures of Bregman, Verlander, and Tucker, combining offensive production with elite defensive coverage. Furthermore, Kwan’s proven consistency would provide a stabilizing presence in both the lineup and the clubhouse, helping guide younger players and maintaining Houston’s competitive culture despite a challenging offseason.

2. Guardians’ Perspective and Prospect Package

For Cleveland, trading Kwan presents an opportunity to accelerate a rebuild by obtaining a set of high-upside prospects. The proposed package includes RHP Joseph Sullivan (Astros No. 6), RHP Anderson Brito (Astros No. 7), and RHP Jackson Nezuh (Astros No. 14). Each prospect offers controllable years and significant potential, giving the Guardians flexibility as they look to construct a long-term competitive roster. Sullivan and Brito provide immediate pitching depth with potential for rotation or bullpen contributions, while Nezuh adds high-upside talent to Cleveland’s minor league system. The Guardians, currently in a transitional phase, could leverage these assets to address multiple areas of need and prepare for sustained success in the coming seasons. Houston’s reputation for player development adds confidence to the trade for the Guardians, as the team has a long history of cultivating talent and maximizing potential. The prospects would enter a system known for producing major league-ready players, creating a mutually beneficial transaction for both sides. Finally, the deal aligns with broader strategic goals: the Astros shore up critical gaps in their roster, while the Guardians acquire a trio of controllable, high-upside players capable of contributing immediately or in the near future.

3. Additional Offseason Priorities for Houston

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Alongside a potential Kwan acquisition, the Astros face pressing decisions regarding their pitching staff, particularly Framber Valdez. As one of the top free agents this offseason, retaining Valdez is critical; losing him would deepen the impact of last year’s departures and further challenge Houston’s ability to compete. Valdez’s situation has been complicated by the fallout from a previous incident involving catcher Cesar Salazar, but the Astros cannot afford additional talent losses. Combining the retention of Valdez with strategic additions like Kwan would significantly bolster Houston’s roster heading into 2026. With a strong developmental system and an experienced front office, the Astros are well-positioned to execute multiple moves this winter. Targeting elite talent such as Kwan while protecting key pitching assets represents a balanced approach to remaining competitive and restoring the team to postseason contention. The front office will likely approach this offseason aggressively, leveraging both trade opportunities and free-agent acquisitions to maintain Houston’s status as a perennial contender in the AL.