Rosenthal: Blue Jays Showing Interest in Steven Kwan

[Leo Morgenstern]

When ESPN's Jeff Passan included Steven Kwan on his list of this summer's top trade candidates, he noted that "Cleveland doesn't want to deal him" but acknowledged that "the Guardians at the very least will listen to see if teams are willing to blow them away with offers."

Unsurprisingly, several teams have already come up in trade rumors involving the two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, who remains under team control via arbitration through the 2027 season. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Blue Jays, as well as the Dodgers, Phillies, and Padres, are "in the mix" to land Kwan.

Jays Centre's Owen Hill recently wrote about the possibility of Toronto trading for Kwan, noting that "his style of play would fit seamlessly with what the Jays already do well" and that he would "immediately put a stop to the revolving door in the leadoff spot."

Meanwhile, Jays Centre's Jesse Burrill included Kwan in his piece about the pros and cons of various potential trade deadline targets. Burrill pointed out that "you don’t have to squint very hard to see why the Blue Jays would be interested in a player like Kwan," but also recognized that this team already has a crowded outfield, and a player like Kwan certainly won't come cheap.

So, do you think the Blue Jays should target Kwan ahead of Thursday's trade deadline? Or are you concerned his price tag will be too high and think the Jays would be better off pursuing other upgrades? Join the discussion in the comments section!

Featured image courtesy of Denny Medley-Imagn Images.

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[Brownie19]

I can't see this happening FWIW.

[Laika]

Oh I can. 

[glory]

Kwan is like the dictionary definition of what this FO looks for in a player. If he is ever traded, whether now or later, it will end up being to the Jays as long as this FO is in place. 

[Grant77]

Our interest makes sense, given his hitting style, but the fit is a bit clunky, given that he's another lefty. Do we trade Lukes for him? Probably at least one of Loperfido and Roden as well.

The defense has slipped to average or below this year, so it makes me hesitant to offer a big package.

[Terminator]

You can bet your bottom dollar that Ross Atkins will be all in on acquiring The Final Boss of slap hitters

[Laika]

I think they would do this if they could cash Loperfido in (either in this trade or another trade). That opens up the lineup spot. 

Lukes becomes a bench player once Varsho is back. 

Roden stays in AAA or gets traded. Santander is a see you in 2026 dude. Cooked for 2025. 

[Laika]

Cleveland is a gross dirty organization full of cheapskate gambling addicts. 

They love mediocre fringe talents like Loperfido. xwOBA and BABIP be damned. 

[glory]

The Jays saved the Guardians like $110M over the next 5 years by taking Gimenez and Straw. Get Kwan in a sweetheart deal as a thank you.