Guardians Shift Kwan from Leadoff Amidst Offensive Slump and Trade Speculation
Steven Kwan moves to sixth spot against Cincinnati as Cleveland navigates roster decisions with the trade deadline approaching
The Cleveland Guardians have temporarily removed Steven Kwan from the leadoff batting position for the first time in nearly four years, a move driven by a pronounced offensive slump that has drawn renewed attention to the outfielder’s status as a potential trade candidate. Entering Saturday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field, Kwan will bat sixth, marking a significant deviation from the lineup structure he has maintained since his rookie season.
Manager Stephen Vogt defended the decision by pointing to underlying indicators of resilience, noting that Kwan has displayed improved plate discipline and continued high-level defensive play. Vogt highlighted recent performances where the player recorded hits and walks, emphasising that Kwan remains one of the team’s most valuable assets despite the current statistical downturn.
The statistical decline has been sharp, with Kwan’s on-base plus slugging (OPS) dropping to .477 in May after posting a .602 OPS in April. His overall batting line entering Saturday stands at .201/.308/.258. A critical factor in this slump is the reduction in his 'sweet spot' hit rate—the percentage of batted balls within the optimal 8-32 degree launch angle range—which has fallen from 39.7% last year to 31.9% this season, moving him from the top 10% of the league to the bottom 35%.
While the quality of contact has deteriorated, with line drives being replaced by pop-ups and ground balls, Kwan’s ability to draw walks remains intact. He has recorded 23 walks against 21 strikeouts this season, suggesting that his approach at the plate has not entirely collapsed even as his output has suffered. This marks his first start outside the leadoff spot since June 18, 2022, when he batted eighth as a rookie.
The roster move occurs against a backdrop of ongoing trade speculation, with previous discussions involving the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer and further chatter over the winter. Kwan, 28, is under contract through 2027, providing the Guardians with flexibility to either retain him or negotiate a deal before the summer deadline. The team currently sits in first place with a 24-22 record, having erased a significant deficit to win the American League Central last season.
