Cubs have another Guardians trade target even if Steven Kwan is unavailable

Steven Kwan has been speculated to be a trade fit for the Chicago Cubs this offseason, but the latest word from the Cleveland Guardians is that Kwan will be on their roster next year. It's possible that's posturing, but if not, there's another Guardians' outfielder that could be on the Cubs' radar this offseason.

Like Kwan, Jo Adell is entering his final year of arbitration. If the Guardians truly are going to hold onto Kwan, then, it would make sense that they entertain the idea of moving Adell. What has made the Guardians a baseball factory over the past decade is that they typically trade players before they hit free agency. If that's not going to be the case with Kwan, perhaps the Guardians follow their typical trend with Adell.

Adell was a once-promising prospect with the Los Angeles Angels, but it was a delayed arrival. He made his debut with the Angels in 2020, but it was only in 2025 that he finally posted a wRC+ above 100. That year, he had 37 home runs with a wRC+ of 114.

There was regression at the start of the 2026 season, but he still posed enough of a power bat to entice the Guardians into a trade at the deadline. With the Guardians, he hit seven home runs over his last 48 games of the regular season, posting a 107 wRC+.

Jo Adell isn't a perfect addition for the Cubs' starting lineup, but he may not be a bad bridge option

Adell was briefly on the Cubs' radar last offseason. There was talks that the Angels could be looking to move Adell for pitching, and Chicago was floated as a potential match. If there was interest last offseason, it's fair to speculate that the Cubs would have some level of interest this time around, assuming the Guardians are willing to listen.

Now, there's a few things that Cubs should know about Adell. He's not a perfect addition tot he position-player side of the roster. Strikeouts are an issue, and while he had a game earlier this season where he robbed three home runs, he's not known for his defense.

The plus is that he should bring power, and that is something the Cubs will need next season, assuming there isn't a return of Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki. Not to mention, considering the limitations and only having one season of control left, Adell should be a relatively affordable way for the Cubs to add power to their offensive mix this offseason.

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