Overview
- The Guardians' season ended with an ALCS loss to the Rays on Monday, and that exit moves offseason roster decisions — including Kwan's status — to the front burner.
- Steven Kwan, 29, enters his final arbitration year and will be a free agent after 2027, with projection systems estimating his 2027 salary in the low double-digit millions.
- Multiple outlets and front-office observers have named the Padres, Cubs and Phillies as plausible suitors for Kwan based on his defensive value and contact-oriented bat.
- Analysts warn Cleveland would likely demand substantial prospect capital for Kwan, with one estimate suggesting possibly two top-25 prospects plus an MLB-ready player.
- An expected CBA fight and potential lockout create timing uncertainty that could push the Guardians to trade Kwan before negotiations start or delay a deal until rules are clear.