Guardians' Steven Kwan Reportedly Linked to Dodgers, Mets, More amid MLB Trade Rumors

The Cleveland Guardians are reportedly "fielding big interest" in All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan ahead of Thursday's MLB trade deadline, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Among the listed teams interested are the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres, per that report, though Heyman believes "a righty hitter fits Philly better."

As for the Mets, Heyman believes they could "be a fit for Kwan, too, assuming they believe he can play center field or they can move Brandon Nimmo back there."

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic added that Kwan "is drawing 'a ton' of interest, according to a club source, with the Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Phillies and Padres believed to be among the teams in the mix."

He also noted that Emmanuel Clase being placed on non-disciplinary leave while MLB investigates his potential sports betting activity "ended any chance of the Guardians becoming a buyer, and likely increased the possibility of the team trading right-hander Shane Bieber and perhaps left fielder Kwan."

Kwan, 27, is a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glover who is hitting .287 this season with nine homers, 37 RBI, 51 runs, 11 stolen bases and a .762 OPS. For teams in need of a defensive upgrade in the outfield and a left-handed bat to slot near the top of the lineup, Kwan would be a solid addition.

Before the Clase situation, Cleveland's willingness to actually trade Kwan was unclear. But with Clase out of the picture until at least Aug. 31 and the Guardians now nine games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central and four games back of the final Wild Card berth, becoming sellers is probably the logical move.

Alongside Kwan's productivity, he's also under club control for two more seasons after the 2025 campaign through salary arbitration, meaning he's far more than a short-term rental for contenders. That also means the Guardians are going to seek a major trade package in return.

Kwan is one of the biggest names that could potentially be moved this week. Much of the market for outfielders will be determined both by whether he's dealt and how much the Guardians get back in return if he is.