Reese Kaplan -- Under the Radar Deals Aren't Always Bad

While many of the sitting around the polished bar rumors involve either superstar players in free agency or as measured bundles of every minor league prospect in the system to lure other GMs to make trades.  We’ve all been there and naturally have made just as many unbalanced and silly proposals as everyone around us who are already into their third or more adult beverage.

One of these prospective transactions that has been quickly dismissed by the “Get us Tucker, get us Bellinger, get us Bichette” crowd was the suggestion that the Mets could indeed engage in trade negotiations to land their current left fielder Steven Kwan.  While his name is not known to many of the National League fans, he’s someone who definitely deserves some attention.

A quick highlight reel of Kwan’s career is enlightening.  The diminutive left handed hitter debuted for Cleveland in 2022.  As a 22 year old he hit the ground running, ending the season with a .298 batting average.  He hit 6 HRs, drove in 52 and stole 19 bases.  While not eye popping in run production, he most definitely showed he is a high on base percentage hitter who will not embarrass himself when he’s at the plate.

However, he’s not a one trick pony.  As a rookie in 2022 he was awarded a Gold Glove for his defensive ability patrolling left field.  That recognition was not a one-time thing either.  In now his fourth consecutive big league season he has four consecutive Gold Gloves crowded on his mantle for his ability to play the field. 

As a young veteran he earned under $5 million for his 2025 season.  He is not eligible for free agency until 2028, so it is certainly realistic to think this trade candidate will be an at minimum two-year left fielder if acquired. 

While not a traditional slugger and playing left field rather than center field, his appeal is somewhat limited to many traditionalists.  Consider that the Mets had a guy with 25 HRs and 90 RBIs playing a mediocre left field last year.  Kwan is not going to replace that level of run production.  Center fielders are sometimes known more for their gloves than their bats and being in the primary outfield defensive position they can build careers even when they hit like Harrison Bader, Jose Siri or Cedric Mullins. 

Cleveland would not simply give away Kwan despite his non conventional value in the field and at the plate.  Now would the Mets try to move him into center field or would they allow him to patrol left field as he’s done with award winning results?

To get the Guardians to consider a trade you’d likely have to give up at least a pair of decent but not top level prospects.  Another possibility would be to include young veteran Mark Vientos along with a someone not in the primary position for success with the Mets like Brandon Sproat, Christian Scott or someone not quite at that level.  Remember, you’re looking at a leadoff hitter or bottom of the order bat, not a 3rd through 5th spot run producer so the price tag wouldn’t be astronomical.

Obtaining Kwan would certainly mesh with David Stearns’ public proclamation of run prevention.  He’s going to start the year at age 28 so it’s not like he’s over the hill.  The salary will increase as he is arbitration eligible but it’s not going to bankrupt Mr. Cohen.  This move isn’t the flashy kind that fans and media fantasize about but it could indeed be a smart one.  Kwan is a career .281 hitter good for 20 SBs per year in addition to the stellar work in the field.  I’d applaud his arrival.