Cleveland Guardians Likely to Retain Gold Glove Outfielder Steven Kwan Amid Trade Speculation

The Cleveland Guardians face a consequential offseason as they consider reshaping their roster, but one key player—outfielder Steven Kwan—may remain off the trading block. Trade chatter has swirled around Kwan, yet recent analysis suggests the organization could prioritize keeping him for the 2026 season.

On MLB Network’s MLB Tonight, Zack Meisel of The Athletic outlined why the Guardians may be hesitant to move Kwan. Shared later on X, Meisel emphasized the team’s growing depth in young hitting talent and the value of Kwan’s veteran presence in the outfield. “There’s going to be an influx of young hitting talent,” he noted, signaling a strategic balance between experienced players and prospects.

Kwan, 28, continues to be a defensive standout, earning his fourth straight Gold Glove in 2025 while posting 22 Defensive Runs Saved and 13 outfield assists. Offensively, he contributed a .272 batting average with 11 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, numbers Meisel described as slightly underwhelming relative to expectations but still indicative of high overall value.

As the Guardians weigh their options, Kwan’s combination of elite defense, contract affordability, and clubhouse leadership makes him an asset the organization is likely to retain, particularly as Cleveland seeks to compete for another AL Central title in 2026.

1. Reasons Kwan May Stay in Cleveland

According to Meisel, there are three primary factors making a Kwan trade unlikely. First, his modest offensive output this past season reduced his trade market value, making it harder to justify moving him. Second, the Guardians still need consistent hitting across the lineup, and trading Kwan could leave a critical void. Finally, Cleveland’s outfield depth is limited. Kwan’s elite defense and experience are difficult to replace immediately, and dealing him would create a gap in a position already lacking stability. Maintaining continuity in the outfield ensures the team preserves both defensive strength and leadership in the clubhouse. Kwan’s presence also offers the Guardians flexibility in integrating emerging talent. Prospects such as Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana are expected to assume full-time roles in 2026, meaning Kwan can continue to anchor the outfield while the young hitters develop into their roles. Keeping Kwan also allows Cleveland to focus on strategic additions elsewhere in the roster rather than relying on an untested outfield to carry defensive responsibilities. His retention signals a balanced approach, blending veteran stability with prospect growth.

2. Kwan’s Value Beyond the Stats

Beyond defense and offensive contribution, Kwan provides leadership and consistency—traits that are invaluable during high-stakes AL Central races. The Guardians benefit from his experience, particularly as the team integrates younger players into regular-season and postseason scenarios. His presence on the field also allows manager rotation flexibility, ensuring Kwan can impact late-game situations, including critical defensive alignments and base-running scenarios. His leadership extends to mentoring emerging talent, helping ease the transition for rookies adjusting to major league competition. Kwan’s affordable contract further enhances his value, giving Cleveland financial flexibility to pursue upgrades at other positions without losing a cornerstone outfielder. In a season that could feature strategic roster tweaks, keeping him in place provides both stability and leverage. Finally, Cleveland’s intent to retool rather than fully rebuild underscores the importance of retaining proven contributors like Kwan. With a competitive core and promising prospects, maintaining his presence positions the team for both short-term success and long-term sustainability.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

As the Guardians enter the offseason, their strategy appears focused on measured roster adjustments rather than dramatic overhauls. Kwan’s defensive reliability, steady bat, and leadership qualities make him a linchpin in that plan. Cleveland’s young hitters will gradually take on more responsibility, but Kwan remains an essential bridge between current veterans and the next generation of players. His retention provides stability as the team navigates free agency, arbitration, and potential minor acquisitions. While trade rumors may continue, current analysis suggests Kwan is likely to remain a fixture in the Guardians’ outfield for 2026. His combination of talent, experience, and clubhouse influence makes him too valuable to move in a season where Cleveland is aiming for AL Central contention. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-WEB:83a5f80a-480d-44c4-87c6-97fc7c29f155-21” data-testid=“conversation-turn-44” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Despite trade speculation, Steven Kwan is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians’ lineup heading into the 2026 season.