Overview
- Cleveland reached a 2026 agreement with outfielder Steven Kwan at $7.725 million, according to a report from insider Robert Murray.
- The deal eliminates the need for Friday’s salary-exchange deadline and takes a potential arbitration hearing off the table.
- Independent estimates had pegged Kwan’s arbitration number in the $8.8 million to $9.175 million range after a $4.175 million salary in 2025.
- Kwan posted a .272 average with 81 runs and 21 steals last season and is a four-time Gold Glove winner and two-time All-Star.
- The Guardians have about $56 million committed to 11 players with a projected opening payroll near $78 million, while minor roster items remain unsettled, including Jhonkensy Noel’s waiver moves and an unconfirmed Ettore Giulianelli signing.