Steven Kwan Reportedly Not Traded by Guardians at MLB Deadline Amid Dodgers Rumors

The Cleveland Guardians reportedly opted not to trade two-time All-Star Steven Kwan at the trade deadline, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

This comes after Kwan had reportedly drawn interest from teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

Kwan's name had surfaced in trade rumors as this has been a disappointing season for the Guardians coming off an appearance in the ALCS in 2024. Their primary issue has been an offense that struggles to score runs.

Cleveland ranks in the bottom 10 in all of MLB in runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Kwan, José Ramírez and Kyle Manzardo are the only players in the lineup with a league-average or better OPS+.

Compounding the Guardians' issues is a pitching staff that has been hampered by poor performances and suspensions. Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase are on paid leave as part of an MLB investigation into sports betting.

The Clase move, announced on July 30, may have opened the door for Cleveland to start looking toward 2026 and beyond. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the following day the odds of a player like Kwan being traded "increased."

Kwan has been very consistent throughout his first four seasons in MLB. The 27-year-old is hitting .286/.350/.398 in 2025, right in line with his career slash line (.285/.357/.398).

Despite not having much power, Kwan has made himself extremely valuable by being able to make contact and hit for average, smart baserunning and elite defense in left field.

Since the start of the 2022 season, Kwan ranks third among all players in defensive runs saved and 10th among all outfielders in outs above average. He has won Gold Glove awards in each of the past three seasons.

It's a unique profile for a corner outfielder, where power is typically the most important tool, but Kwan has emerged as a star talent by being great at everything else and boosting his power enough to hit 10-15 per season.

Despite being in the rumor mill, Kwan appears to be set to remain in Cleveland—for now, at least.