At this year's MLB trade deadline, the Cleveland Guardians are projected to be among the teams most likely to listen to offers on their players. Thanks in part to losing ten games in a row, the Guardians are potentially going to sell at the deadline.
But, surprisingly, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, "The Guardians will listen to inquiries on Steven Kwan." Moving on from the two-time All-Star would be a surprise, but Bowden says the team is listening to offers for Kwan.
Over the past four seasons, Kwan has been one of the most important Guardians players. He's won three Gold Glove Awards and has made two All-Star Games, with his second coming this season.
He's hitting .292 with a .351 on-base percentage and a .409 slugging percentage. While he isn't a home-run hitter, he is still a strong hitter, with a solid .760 OPS and 113 OPS+ this season.
In his 87 games played this year, Kwan has 100 hits, 39 runs scored, 20 doubles, one triple, six home runs, 29 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, 30 walks, and 33 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has been good once again for the Guardians this season.
MORE: MLB writer reveals Guardians' biggest trade deadline need
Cleveland listening to offers is something to take note of. They aren't closing the door on a potential deal; instead, they're open to business and listening to offers for their star outfielder.
With the team's offensive struggles, moving their second-best offensive player would be an odd move. But if Cleveland is looking to move him to add more power to the lineup, then a potential trade becomes more reasonable.
However, with few options that fit such a description, trading Kwan is a major risk. Even if the return is solid, losing out on a Gold Glove outfielder with a solid hit tool would sting.
As the Guardians field inquiries from teams, they'll likely have teams willing to offer a king's ransom for Kwan. While accepting such an offer is tempting, losing out on Kwan, who has two and a half more years of control, would be a tough blow.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Dream Tigers trade proposal lands Eugenio Suarez for one prospect
- Tigers linked to 2.79 ERA closer amid Rockies' GM hot seat rumors
- Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. shares hilarious story amid All-Star selection
- Padres hitting coach reveals plan to get Jackson Merrill out of slump
- Miles Mikolas' replacement named Cardinals' top trade deadline need
- Astros urged to add lefty slugger amid Yordan Alvarez' setback