Steven Kwan's name has been popular in trade rumors dating back to the summer.
But on Thursday, the Cleveland Guardians took the necessary next step with Kwan, which was to reach a contract agreement with him for 2026 before salary arbitration.
The deal will pay Kwan $7.725 million for the 2026 campaign, according to insider Robert Murray.
Kwan is the Guardians' second-best position player, behind Jose Ramirez.
But he's now in the sweet spot when Cleveland often looks to deal players away for future assets. Kwan has two seasons remaining on his deal, meaning he'll be a free agent after the 2027 season.
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That, in concept, makes him more valuable to an acquiring team than a guy with just one year remaining.
It's the timeline that the Guardians traded Francisco Lindor away on in the past, for example.
Cleveland was always going to have to reach a contract agreement (or get a contract decided upon in arbitration) with Kwan for the season ahead, so this news doesn't particularly change anything about Kwan's trade status.
It does create a known number for an acquiring team, rather than wondering what he might get paid if he goes to arbitration.
The rumors and talks have mostly quieted down around Kwan. It seems the Guardians know they need to keep the contact-hitting Gold Glove outfielder around heading into the new year.
And now Kwan knows what he'll be paid to keep doing his thing.
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