Steven Kwan received a warm welcome from Cleveland Guardians fans on Friday night, dispelling recent trade rumors as the team defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-2 in 10 innings. The All-Star left fielder was repeatedly chanted by fans every time he stepped up to bat, underscoring the strong support for Kwan as the Guardians prepare for their postseason push.
Kwan’s presence atop the Guardians’ batting order remains a priority for the franchise after team president Chris Antonetti rejected several robust trade offers for him. The decision reassures fans that Kwan will continue playing a key role for Cleveland this season and beyond.
Steven Kwan Responds to Fans’ Support
Kwan, who finished the game 2-for-5 with a run scored and the league-leading 10th outfield assist, reflected on the enthusiastic reception.
“It was super special with the fans and the chanting out in left field tonight,”
Kwan said.
“I don’t know if I deserve it, but I’m super grateful for all of it.”
Contract discussions between Kwan and the Guardians ended after spring training due to an established policy by owner Paul Dolan, but Kwan has expressed openness to resuming talks despite being under team control through 2027. Antonetti has hinted that this policy might be flexible during the season, indicating potential contract negotiations as Cleveland pushes for the postseason.
“I’m hoping we can stay here a long time,”
Kwan added.
“I love this city, love this organization. I just really want to win for them and get in the postseason.”
Currently batting .316 with three home runs, six RBIs, and enjoying a nine-game hitting streak, Kwan has been a crucial contributor to the Guardians’ lineup.
Upcoming Matchups and Pitching Strength
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game in the three-game series, right-hander Tanner Bibee (7-9, 4.39 ERA) is slated to start against Minnesota’s Bailey Ober (4-6, 5.28 ERA). Bibee has demonstrated competence against the Twins, holding a 2-0 record and a 2.51 ERA in eight career starts. He has also been on an upswing, winning three consecutive games with an impressive 17-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio during this period.
Guardians’ Gavin Williams opened the series with a strong six-inning, eight-strikeout performance without allowing any runs, although he received a no-decision. Williams holds a 6-4 record overall and boasts a 2.75 ERA across 16 starts since May 3, despite frustrating bullpen struggles that have nullified his quality outings.
“I think the confidence has always been there,”
Williams said.
“Last year, I barely got into the fifth inning, so as much as I can go deeper in games, it helps the pen for the next day and saves those guys, too.”
Minnesota Twins Prepare for Changes
The Twins expect a morale boost with Bailey Ober returning from the 15-day injured list after a hip impingement sidelined him for a month. Ober’s history against Cleveland is solid, with a 3-2 record and 2.10 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Guardians, although June was a tough month as he lost all five outings while allowing 30 runs in 30 innings.
Ober was among 10 players present in a Cleveland hotel room on Thursday, awaiting news about their organization’s trade activity. The Twins completed nine trades within a single day, significantly altering their roster.
“A lot of guys who were on our ‘23 (playoff) run aren’t here anymore because of the trades, so that hurt,”
Ober said.
“The business side of baseball sometimes shows its ugly face. It was surreal watching what happened.”
Additionally, Twins All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton could return to the lineup as early as August 7, with team manager Rocco Baldelli noting Buxton’s rib-cage inflammation is not severe.
“We’re here to win, let me be clear,”
Baldelli said.
“The locker room looks different, the team looks different, the lineup is different, but let’s go to work.”
Significance of Kwan’s Role for Guardians’ Playoff Aspirations
Steven Kwan’s retention by the Guardians signifies a firm commitment to building around the young All-Star as the team aims for an American League wild-card berth. His continued success at the plate and leadership on the field have energized both the organization and its fan base.
With promising pitching performances from Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams complementing Kwan’s offensive spark, the Guardians are positioning themselves to make a strong push into the postseason. The combination of management’s trade decisions and players’ contributions will be critical as the team navigates the final weeks of the regular season.
Meanwhile, the Twins are adjusting to roster upheaval and injuries while seeking to maintain competitiveness, highlighting the intense atmosphere surrounding this divisional rivalry.