Could Trade for 'Do-Everything' $4 Million Gold Glove Outfielder Be Answer to Dodgers' Prayers?
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ESPN's Jeff Passan recently made the bold suggestion that the Los Angeles Dodgers could be one of the best fits in a blockbuster trade for Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan ahead of the trade deadline.
"An All-Star the past two years and Gold Glove winner in all three of his previous big league seasons, Kwan is a do-everything left fielder with elite bat-to-ball skills and two years of club control after 2025," Passan wrote. "Cleveland doesn't want to deal him, but with a dearth of available bats, the Guardians at the very least will listen to see whether teams are willing to blow them away with offers."
But does this idea make any sense?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians steals second base during the ninth inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians steals second base during the ninth inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
It does, but only under some specific circumstances.
First, let's look at it from the Guardians' point of view. Cleveland doesn't need to trade Kwan because he has two additional years of arbitration left on his contract. The front office could hold onto him and continue building their team with him at the forefront.
But if the Dodgers are willing to give up a haul, potentially including former top prospects Bobby Miller and James Outman, the Guardians might be inclined to move Kwan.
The important thing to note in a potential Kwan trade is that the Guardians would need to add big league talent or prospects who are close to the big leagues in order for a deal to make sense.
Obviously, this would be a great addition for the Dodgers. Kwan could play every day outfield in Los Angeles for the next two and a half seasons and set the table for the heavy hitters in the lineup.
It's going to come down to how aggressive the Dodgers are and what they're willing to give up.
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