The Philadelphia Phillies are actively targeting Guardians’ closer Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Steven Kwan in an effort to enhance their roster ahead of the trade deadline. These potential additions could be crucial in accelerating Philadelphia’s push for a World Series championship this season.
As the Phillies face the urgency of improving a roster anchored by veteran stars Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Kyle Schwarber—each entering their 30s—the team recognizes the need for short-term upgrades to remain competitive. Philadelphia possesses a deep farm system, ranked fourth-best by USA Today, giving them the assets to negotiate for impactful players without sacrificing top prospect Andrew Painter.
How Clase and Kwan Would Fit Into the Phillies’ Playoff Window
The proposed trade including Emmanuel Clase and Steven Kwan is more than speculative chatter. According to Christopher Kline of FanSided, a feasible trade package from Philadelphia could involve prospects Mick Abel (#5), Aroon Escobar (#6), and Gabriel Rincones Jr. (#11) heading to Cleveland. This combination offers a blend of MLB readiness and high potential aimed at satisfying the Guardians’ demands.
- Emmanuel Clase: Serving as an elite reliever, Clase currently boasts 20 saves and a 2.91 ERA this season. With three consecutive campaigns of 40-plus saves and remaining contract control through 2028, he would provide Philadelphia with a dominant and reliable presence in the bullpen during critical late innings.
- Steven Kwan: At 27 years old, Kwan is a disciplined outfielder showcasing consistent performance near his career averages (.285/.357/.396). He offers the Phillies valuable contact hitting, on-base capability, and defensive prowess. Kwan is arbitration-eligible through 2027, making him a controlled asset rather than a short-term rental.
Phillies Trade Target: RHP Emmanuel Clase
Career MLB Stats:
359 G | 353.0 IP | 263 H | 72 ER | 68 BB | 342 K | 1.84 ERA | 0.93 WHIP
Contract:
2025- $4.9 Million
2026- $6.4 Million
2027- $10 Million (Club Option)
2028- $10 Million (Club Option)pic.twitter.com/Jz6Zd29LVr
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) July 10, 2025
Strategic Advantages of Adding Clase and Kwan
One of Philadelphia’s greatest postseason vulnerabilities is its bullpen, which has been identified as its weakest link. Acquiring Clase directly addresses this gap by infusing elite late-inning relief that the team desperately needs. Furthermore, both Clase and Kwan are under contract well beyond this season, securing flexibility for the Phillies’ postseason run without the risk of losing their contributions prematurely.
Crucially, the trade plan preserves Philadelphia’s most prized prospects including Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller, and Justin Crawford. By focusing on mid-level prospects such as Abel, Escobar, and Rincones Jr., the club maintains its future depth and strengthens its immediate roster simultaneously.
Evaluating the Cost and Trade Dynamics
Cleveland’s asking price for Clase and Kwan requires a hefty return, specifically prospects Mick Abel, Aroon Escobar, and Gabriel Rincones Jr. Despite Cleveland’s firm stance, insiders suggest the Phillies would prefer to retain prospects Miller and Crawford, balancing the need to contend now with long-term development. Abel’s MLB readiness combined with the upside of Escobar and Rincones Jr. forms a package that is realistic given the Guardians’ position.
This trade would provide Philadelphia an immediate and meaningful uplift. Clase would solidify the bullpen during a likely runaway NL East division race, while Kwan’s ability to get on base and play stellar defense improves the overall lineup balance. The deal would strategically bolster the Phillies without compromising their core top-tier prospects.
If Phillies executive Sam Fuld and president David Dombrowski are intent on maximizing the window for a championship, pursuing such high-impact but calculated moves aligns perfectly with their objective to build a contender capable of reaching the World Series.
Summary of Trade Targets and Prospective Roster Changes
- Emmanuel Clase (RHP, Guardians): 20 saves, sub-3 ERA this season, contract control through 2028; would be a premier addition to strengthen Philadelphia’s bullpen.
- Steven Kwan (OF, Guardians): Consistent hitter with a .285/.357/.396 slash line; known for excellent contact and defense; arbitration-controlled through the 2027 season.
- Trade Price: Philadelphia is prepared to part with Mick Abel (RHP, #5 prospect), Aroon Escobar (2B), and Gabriel Rincones Jr. (OF) to acquire these players.
- Prospects Retained: The Phillies plan to keep Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, and Eduardo Tait, securing the club’s long-term talent pipeline.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Steven Kwan Chinese or Korean?
A. Kwan has Chinese and Japanese roots.