Story by
Could Guardians All-Star Steven Kwan be traded? Here are the top potential landing spots
- Story by
- Could Guardians All-Star Steven Kwan be traded? Here are the top potential landing spots
CLEVELAND — Teams around the league are waiting to see what the Guardians do at the trade deadline .
The last month for the Guardians has resembled a roller coaster, especially considering the trade deadline and its implications. A 10-game skid that threatened to bury their playoff chances was followed by an 11-2 hot streak that catapulted them right back into the postseason race.
Advertisement
Then, All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase was added to MLB's gambling investigation , sidelining him through at least Aug. 31, a major gut-punch in the team's quest to make up ground in the American League wild card standings.
The Guardians are known for a front office that stands its ground when it comes to value. But they've also long maintained they'll at least answer the phone and talk through a wide variety of trade avenues.
All of it has led to All-Star left fielder Steven Kwan being among the best players who might be available on the trade market at this deadline, even if the odds that any team offers enough to get a deal done fall well short of a sure thing.
Jul 29, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) hits an RBI single in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
A trade takes two to tango, and it could come from just about anywhere. But here are the top candidates and the ammunition they might have to pull off a Kwan trade.
Advertisement
All system and top-100 prospect rankings are via MLB Pipeline .
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have plenty of ammo to get a deal done, as they have not only the most talent on paper at the major league level but one of the top farm systems as well. It's an embarrassment of riches.
Dalton Rushing , viewed as one of the top young catchers in the game, would be of particular interest. Rushing is also partially blocked by All-Star Will Smith .
Beyond Rushing, the Dodgers have a plethora of top-100 prospects, including outfielder Josue De Paula (No. 21), outfielder Zyhir Hope (No. 30), infielder Alex Freeland (No. 35), outfielder Eduardo Quintero (No. 79), outfielder Mike Sirota (No. 90) and left-handed pitcher Jackson Ferris (No. 96).
Advertisement
The Dodgers are outfield-heavy in the minors, so there' a clear path for the two sides to find a fit if both are happy with the value.
San Diego Padres
The Padres also have a top catching prospect in Ethan Salas (No. 20 overall). Their other top prospect, shortstop Leo De Vries (No. 3 overall), would be difficult to pry from San Diego .
The Padres have essentially been forced into competing with the Dodgers at every turn, and the bidding race for Kwan might end up being another case of that.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are a team that could be a fit on multiple fronts, as Kwan would be an ideal leadoff hitter in a potent lineup.
Advertisement
The Phillies have a number of top-100 prospects to build a package around, highlighted by right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter (No. 8), shortstop Aidan Miller (No. 18), outfielder Justin Crawford (No. 44) and catcher Eduardo Tait (No. 56).
New York Mets
The Mets would need to reshuffle their outfield a bit, but they're a team with an owner who could be aggressive at any moment.
Jett Williams, the club's top prospect (No. 38 overall), can play all over the field. The Mets also have right-handed pitchers Jonah Tong (No. 52) and Nolan McLean (No. 64) and outfielder Carson Benge (No. 68) in the top 100.
Advertisement
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have every reason to go all in, as they've surged ahead in the AL East. But their farm system is on the weaker side, at least on the top end.
The Blue Jays have two top-50 prospects, shortstop Arjun Nimmala (No. 45) and right-handed pitcher Trey Yesavage (No. 50), and both might need to be included to start a Kwan conversation.
Seattle Mariners
Kwan or Randy Arozarena would need to shift to right field, but otherwise the Mariners are potential fit as well to shore up their lineup.
Seattle also boasts a strong farm system, led by infielder Colt Emerson, the No. 15 prospect in baseball. Other top-100 prospects that could be a good fit for Cleveland include outfielder Larazo Montes (No. 23), catcher Harry Ford (No. 49), right-handed pitcher Ryan Sloan (No. 59) and outfielder Jonny Farmelo (No. 70).
Advertisement
San Francisco Giants
Kwan is more than familiar with the West Coast, so the Giants and others might feel as though a long-term deal is more in the cards after dealing for him.
First base prospect Bryce Eldridge, ranked No. 17 overall, would likely need to be included as the centerpiece of a prospect package, as the Giants farm system is very top heavy.
Cincinnati Reds
Perhaps a Terry Francona-Kwan reunion could be in the cards, as the Reds have climbed back into the NL playoff race.
Chase Burns , the No. 2-ranked prospect in the game isn't going anywhere. After Burns, the Reds have three prospects in the top 55 — infielder Sal Stewart (No. 39), right-handed pitcher Rhett Lowder (No. 41) and infielder Cam Collier (No. 55).
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: If Guardians trade Steven Kwan, interested teams include Dodgers, Mets
