Skip to main content
Friars On Base
Fansided

Padres should revisit Steven Kwan trade with Guardians while holding the line on prospects

Was this always meant to be?
ByPJ Potter
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Aug 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) makes a running catch in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Aug 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) makes a running catch in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Remember when the San Diego Padres were linked to Steven Kwan? The 29-year-old outfielder was a huge potential trade candidate at the 2025 trade deadline, but the Cleveland Guardians ultimately hung on to him, as the Friars traded for Ramon Laureano in response.

Now that we are over one full season removed from those rumors, Kwan is looking to be back on the trade block. Kwan has one more season to go before hitting free agency, and Cleveland is generally a team that likes to trade a player before they actually hit the market.

The Padres should be re-feasting on the idea of acquiring Kwan — and they don't have to give up a ship of prospects in order to do so.

Potential trade for Steven Kwan could come at the right time for San Diego Padres

The Guardians thought they were a World Series team in 2026, which was why they did not shop Kwan this year. Reaching the ALCS, they weren't too far off from that championship run happening. So, right now, Cleveland doesn't need to do that much to refuel for 2027. The Guardians should be in the market for MLB-now players who can start every game and help them get back to the ALCS. If they were to trade for Kwan, they wouldn't be seeking prospects. That is great news for the Padres.

Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller loves to trade away top organizational prospects, but that might not be necessary in this scenario. The buyers have the leverage with Kwan because Cleveland almost definitely wants to trade him. With that in mind, they may take a hit with the return in quality.

Granted, Kwan did have a bit of a down season, too. He only hit three home runs after making it to the All-Star Game in 2024 and 2025. He won the Gold Glove Award four seasons in a row from 2022-25, but he finished this campaign with no hardware. That's not to say he wasn't productive, and that he can't bounce back to help a team like San Diego with championship dreams. His walk numbers were still elite. He still barely struck out. But when it comes to making trades, having those prior accolades generally helps the seller. But that may not be the case with Kwan. The Padres should pounce, and not with the idea they have to trade away their best young talent.

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Home/Padres Rumors