As the MLB trade deadline nears at 6 p.m. ET, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays have expressed interest in acquiring Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Both teams, poised for postseason runs, see Kwan as a valuable addition to bolster their lineups amid the Guardians’ .500 record.
Teams Engage in Talks for Kwan and Other Players
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Blue Jays are negotiating not only with the Guardians about Kwan but also discussing reliever Griffin Jax with the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have entered talks with Cleveland regarding Kwan, although they regard a trade for him as unlikely to materialize.
The Toronto Blue Jays continue to talk to the Minnesota Twins about reliever Griffin Jax and the Cleveland Guardians about outfielder Steven Kwan, according to sources briefed on the discussions,
Rosenthal said.
Neither player is seen as particularly likely to be traded. The Los Angeles Dodgers also are talking to the Guardians about Kwan, but consider a trade for him a longshot.
Steven Kwan’s Performance and Value
Kwan, a two-time All-Star, is hitting .286 with a .758 OPS, and has contributed a 3.1 WAR along with nine home runs this season. His defensive skills earned him a Gold Glove in 2024, and he was instrumental in helping Cleveland reach the American League Championship Series (ALCS). These credentials make Kwan a highly sought-after player at this stage of the season.
Recent Guardians’ Moves Affect Trade Prospects
On the same trade deadline day, Cleveland parted ways with pitchers Shane Bieber, who was traded to Toronto, and Paul Sewald, who moved to the Detroit Tigers. However, the likelihood of a Kwan trade has decreased, especially after the Dodgers acquired outfielder Alex Call from the Washington Nationals, potentially closing their pursuit of Kwan. These developments suggest Cleveland is cautious about parting with Kwan despite ongoing talks.
Implications of a Possible Trade
The interest in Kwan highlights how competitive teams like the Dodgers and Blue Jays are seeking to strengthen their rosters before the postseason push. If a trade does not come to fruition, both teams may look to alternative options while the Guardians aim to retain a key contributor as they target a playoff comeback. The final hours before the deadline will reveal how these negotiations resolve and what impact they might have on the remainder of the season.