Steven Kwan Expected to Be a Sought-After Name in Offseason Trade Rumors
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan is expected to attract plenty of interest in trade discussions this offseason. Although he was a potential trade candidate at the July 31 deadline, the Guardians held onto him, and he played a key role in helping the team secure the AL Central crown.
The Cincinnati Reds were reportedly one of the teams linked to Kwan over the summer, though it’s unclear how serious those talks became. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if both teams revisited those discussions once the offseason officially kicks off.
However, the Reds may face a major obstacle if they pursue a trade for Kwan. Cleveland typically holds onto its top players until they near the end of arbitration eligibility. Kwan still has two years of team control before he reaches free agency, making a trade this winter less likely given the Guardians’ history.
Reds’ Interest in Kwan May Clash with Guardians’ Usual Trade Approach
Cincinnati has navigated similar situations with Cleveland before. Back in 2019, the Reds acquired Trevor Bauer from the Guardians in a three-team trade with the Padres — a deal made as Bauer was heading into his final year under team control.
The Guardians followed a similar strategy when trading Corey Kluber to the Rangers before the 2020 season and when they dealt Francisco Lindor to the Mets ahead of 2021. In both cases, Cleveland waited until the player had only one year remaining before free agency.
Although there are exceptions — such as Mike Clevinger and Aaron Civale, who were moved earlier — Cleveland generally prefers to keep key players until their projected salaries grow too steep. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Kwan is expected to earn $8.8 million in 2026, which could eventually influence Cleveland’s willingness to trade him.
Reportedly, Cleveland and San Diego had a deal outlined in July that involved top-10 prospect Leodalis De Vries. For the Reds, a comparable offer would likely mean parting with a high-end prospect like Sal Stewart or Chase Burns — a move many fans might hesitate to support, even for a player as valuable as Kwan.
Ultimately, while the Reds may continue to express interest in Kwan this offseason — and likely should — Cleveland’s usual reluctance to move top-tier players early makes a trade unlikely at this stage.
