Cubs should be watching Steven Kwan closely as Guardians move closer to offseason crossroads

The Cleveland Guardians entered Wednesday on the brink of elimination, down 2-0 to the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS. Once the Guardians' playoff run is over, whether today or in the near future, it would seem that the clock will start on deciding what to do with outfielder Steven Kwan. Kwan has been on and off the trade block in recent years but with one final year of arbitration remaining, he's emerged as a potential trade fit for the Chicago Cubs this offseason.

Kwan's arbitration projection comes in at $11.3 million, a hefty bump up from the $7.73 million he was earning this season. It stands to reason, with free agency awaiting him at the end of the 2027 season, Kwan could once again be on the trade block this winter.

If so, it's fair to speculate that the Cubs would have some level of interest. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are free agents, and with the Cubs expected to divert most of their financial resources toward pitching, looking to the trade market for a short-term option in the outfield could be one path that Jed Hoyer and Co. explore.

Guardians suddenly have Steven Kwan decision that Cubs should be watching very closely

With Kane Kepley and Josiah Hartshorn quickly ascending through the Cubs' system, the front office likely is looking to avoid long-term commitments in the outfield this year. In terms of stopgap options, Kwan being available would be an ideal outcome for the Cubs, and Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller crafted a trade that is worth some thought.

The proposed deal has the Cubs acquiring Kwan one year ahead of free agency for pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins and infield prospect James Triantos.

It's important to note that while Kwan doesn't have the power that Happ or Suzuki has, his contact-oriented approach could be the change-of-pace that the starting lineup needs. He rarely strikes out, 9.5% career rate, and this past year, he slashed .282/.382/.349 with a wRC+ of 114. He's a four-time Gold Glove winner, so he would also check the box in terms of the value the Cubs place on run prevention.

As for the package, it feels like a worthwhile deal for the Cubs. Wiggins was once the top pitching prospect the Cubs had to offer, but after a move to the bullpen, the shine on his profile has worn off. Triantos remains blocked with the Cubs, and likely is entering the offseason as a clear trade candidate.

There's no telling if this will be the offseason that the Guardians finally do trade Kwan, but if so, expect the Cubs to be among the teams to make a call.

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