As the MLB trade deadline approaches on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, several teams find themselves at a crossroads and must decide whether to buy or sell players to shape their 2025 postseason outlook. Among those drawing significant attention is Steven Kwan, whose trade interest has escalated sharply amid the deadline frenzy.
The Cleveland Guardians, currently 3.5 games behind a wild-card spot and facing one of the easiest remaining schedules in the American League, exemplify the precarious position teams occupy this season. However, recent developments have complicated their strategy heading into the final stretch.
Cleveland Guardians Reconsider Plans Following Clase’s Leave
The Guardians’ momentum took a hit when star closer Emmanuel Clase went on non-disciplinary leave amid an MLB sports betting investigation. This news profoundly affected Cleveland’s outlook, as they had been gaining ground in the playoff race earlier this month.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Clase’s absence
“ended any chance of the Guardians becoming a buyer, and likely increased the possibility of the team trading right-hander Shane Bieber and perhaps left fielder Steven Kwan.”
Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner nursing a return from Tommy John surgery, remains an attractive option for teams seeking rotation reinforcement. However, the substantial trade value of Kwan, a Gold Glove defender with a .761 OPS, could make him a centerpiece in trade discussions.
Rosenthal noted that Kwan
“is drawing ‘a ton’ of interest”
from contending teams, naming the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres as leading candidates pursuing his acquisition. Should the Guardians move Kwan, his presence could significantly boost the top of any lineup.
Trade Deadline Buzz Surrounds Other Key Pitchers
Beyond the Guardians, several high-profile pitchers have become focal points in trade rumors as the deadline approaches. St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, once expected to be an offseason departure, is now
“one of the most popular trade targets”
according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Helsley, the 2024 National League Reliever of the Year candidate, has maintained impressive consistency, tallying 41 strikeouts and 21 saves across 36 innings while limiting home runs. Known for a blazing 99.4 m.p.h. fastball, Helsley is set to become a free agent this winter, which may influence the Cardinals’ asking price but hasn’t discouraged teams from pursuing him.
Feinsand lists six potential suitors—including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Dodgers, Phillies, and Blue Jays—each showing varying levels of interest in Helsley’s services.
Pittsburgh Pirates Opt to Retain Mitch Keller for Now
The Pittsburgh Pirates initially appeared ready to entertain offers for starter Mitch Keller, who is enjoying a strong season with a 3.69 ERA and 100 strikeouts over 127 innings, ranking seventh in the National League. Keller’s youth and multiple years of team control make him a valuable asset.
Nevertheless, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that
“the Pirates are comfortable with hanging on to Keller unless a steep return is offered.”
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington emphasized that the team
“would only contemplate giving up something that’s seemingly more proven if we really believe that they give us a better chance to be better by next year.”
Hiles added that a trade could be more likely during the offseason, allowing the Pirates a better opportunity to secure a proven hitter in return.
Houston Astros Eye Dylan Cease to Strengthen Rotation
The San Diego Padres are reportedly open to trading their right-hander Dylan Cease, and the Houston Astros have emerged as a potential destination. Despite Houston’s strong starting rotation led by Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, injuries have forced them to rely on numerous other pitchers throughout the season.
Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome from The Athletic reported that
“Cease is at the top of the Astros’ wish list as the trade deadline nears.”
Although Cease has been inconsistent with a 4.79 ERA, his 153 strikeouts in 118.1 innings and controlled walk rate indicate the possibility of a strong second-half performance.
A notable challenge lies in aligning the Astros’ needs with the Padres’ trading conditions, as
“Padres are only interested in trading the pitcher if they can improve their current major-league roster,”
according to Rome and Rosenthal.
Additional Trade Rumors Making Waves Ahead of Deadline
Several other players are attracting varying levels of trade interest this week. Despite struggling with a 5.42 ERA this campaign, veteran starter Charlie Morton has garnered “significant interest” from teams including the Boston Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, Astros, Padres, and Tampa Bay Rays, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
The trade market for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara is also heating up, with Jim Bowden of The Athletic stating the chances of the former Cy Young winner being moved have increased considerably.
Why Steven Kwan’s Trade Prospects Could Shift the MLB Landscape
Steven Kwan’s emergence as a sought-after trade asset highlights a rare opportunity in this year’s deadline market, which has largely lacked controllable, high-impact position players. At age 27, Kwan’s combination of defensive prowess and offensive production positions him as a valuable addition for any contender seeking depth and lineup versatility.
If Cleveland chooses to part ways with Kwan, the move would not only alter their roster composition but could also influence the trade strategies of multiple teams engaged in tense playoff races. This decision comes amidst the broader uncertainty the Guardians face after Emmanuel Clase’s administrative leave and the delicate balance of managing their rotation and bullpen talent.
As the trade deadline hour approaches, all eyes will be on the Guardians and other contenders making last-minute assessments, with potential ripple effects shaping October’s playoff picture.