Despite ranking near the bottom of the National League in scoring, the San Diego Padres remain firmly in the playoff hunt as the trade deadline approaches. In a recent game, the Padres overcame a 5-1 deficit to rally for a walk-off victory, demonstrating renewed energy after a sluggish two-month stretch. With general manager AJ Preller known for bold roster moves, the team is now motivated to pursue impactful additions to improve both offense and defense.
The Padres have focused their acquisition efforts on adding a left-handed outfielder, and recent developments suggest that Steven Kwan may be the prime candidate to fill that void.
Emerging Trade Talks Surrounding Steven Kwan
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Cleveland Guardians’ ongoing investigation involving Emmanuel Clase has increased the likelihood of them trading Steven Kwan. Rosenthal also noted substantial interest in Kwan from multiple teams, including San Diego, making the Padres a serious contender in the bidding process.
Earlier this season, San Diego pursued another left-handed contact hitter, Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox, indicating a clear preference for players with a similar profile to Kwan. This reinforces the Padres’ strategy to add a dependable contact hitter to boost their lineup.
Why Steven Kwan Is an Ideal Fit for the Padres
The Padres’ left field production has been largely underwhelming, with only Gavin Sheets offering some value, though he is better suited for designated hitter duties. Steven Kwan’s skill set aligns closely with the offensive traits the team seeks. His hitting profile mirrors that of Luis Arraez, characterized by an exceptional ability to square the ball and outstanding contact rates, coupled with a strong capacity to draw walks.
Kwan is not known for power hitting, but his excellent on-base skills and consistent gap-to-gap hitting would enhance San Diego’s offensive depth. Beyond the batter’s box, Kwan excels as a base-runner and outfielder, consistently receiving above-average to elite defensive grades. Since 2022, he has accumulated 20 Outs Above Average (OAA), making him a valuable all-around contributor on both sides of the game.
Challenges Surrounding a Potential Trade for Kwan
While many Padres fans would welcome Kwan, the trade comes with notable drawbacks. Kwan’s contract includes two years of team control, elevating his market value. Acquiring him would likely require a significant package of prospects, potentially including Ethan Salas, Brandon Nett, Kash Mayfield, or multiple players. Although top prospect Leo De Vries might not be involved, the cost remains substantial.
Another concern is Kwan’s limited power, which does little to address San Diego’s shortage of home runs, where they rank near the bottom of Major League Baseball. Therefore, if the Padres add Kwan, they may still need to seek an additional power hitter to complement the lineup—an effort complicated by the likely high price paid for Kwan himself.
Outlook on the Padres’ Pursuit of Steven Kwan
With Jarren Duran reportedly unavailable, Steven Kwan now appears to be the Padres’ top trade target among outfielders. While he may not resolve all offensive shortcomings, particularly in power hitting, Kwan fulfills the immediate need for a reliable left-handed bat and solid defensive presence in left field. Given the limited number of quality players on the trade market, acquiring Kwan represents the most impactful addition the Padres can realistically secure before the deadline.