The Los Angeles Dodgers are showing interest in strengthening their outfield by pursuing Steven Kwan, the Gold Glove left fielder from the Cleveland Guardians, as the MLB Trade Deadline nears. This interest could see the Dodgers offering one of their promising prospects, catcher Dalton Rushing, in a possible deal to acquire Kwan.
Kwan, who is 27 years old and has three years of major league experience, recently contributed to the Guardians’ 10-4 win over the Colorado Rockies on July 29, recording one hit in four at-bats, driving in a run, and scoring once.
Estimated Cost for Dodgers to Acquire Steven Kwan
Baseball insider Jon Heyman shared insights about the likely cost of securing Kwan in a trade, highlighting Dalton Rushing as a key component of the Dodgers’ potential offer. Rushing, viewed as a top catching prospect, is considered blocked in Los Angeles by Will Smith, an MVP candidate, which could motivate the Dodgers to trade him.
Dodgers are one of many teams in on Guardians All-Star LF Steven Kwan. Dodgers could form a nice package starting with top catching prospect Dalton Rushing, who is blocked for years by MVP candidate Will Smith
— Jon Heyman, Baseball Columnist and MLB Network Insider
Fabian Ardaya, a Dodgers beat writer for The Athletic, also noted the high price tag associated with acquiring Kwan. He described Kwan as a reliable, All-Star-level outfielder with excellent defensive skills and several years of team control remaining. Despite the Guardians’ efforts to extend him, negotiations have not yet succeeded. Still, the Guardians are not aiming to rebuild and likely want to retain Kwan for their future competitive core.
Kwan is a high-floor, All-Star-caliber outfielder with a premium glove and years of control left. The Guardians have been trying to extend him, but have been unable to get anything done. Still, they aren’t a team necessarily looking to bottom out. Their next good team likely would have to have Kwan on it.
— Fabian Ardaya, Dodgers Beat Writer
Steven Kwan’s Current Performance and Contract Details
Steven Kwan signed a one-year, fully guaranteed contract for $4,175,000 with Cleveland, avoiding arbitration for the 2025 season. As of July 30, Kwan was batting .286, with nine home runs and 36 runs batted in. He combined a .410 slugging percentage with a .351 on-base percentage, adding 11 stolen bases to provide speed on the bases.
Kwan’s defensive prowess is reflected in his three Gold Glove awards over his career. His overall MLB stats include a .285 batting average, 593 hits, 34 home runs, 188 RBIs, and 317 runs scored, demonstrating consistent offensive contribution alongside top-tier defense according to StatMuse.
In comparison, Dalton Rushing’s 2025 hitting stats show a .200 batting average, one home run, and 11 RBIs, with a .545 OPS and a .270 OBP. While his numbers lag behind Kwan’s, Rushing remains a valued catching prospect blocked in the Dodgers’ roster by the established Will Smith.
Potential Effects of the Trade on the Dodgers’ Outfield
If the Dodgers follow through with trading Dalton Rushing for Steven Kwan, the move would significantly enhance their defensive capabilities in the outfield, addressing a team need as they pursue success in the National League West Division. With the trade deadline set for Friday, July 31, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes may prioritize this upgrade to maintain momentum among playoff contenders.