The Cleveland Guardians are in the middle of a strong stretch, winning 21 of their last 30 games. They've shrunk the Detroit Tigers' AL Central lead to just 6.5 games after, at one point, being 15.5 games back of Detroit.
However, while the Guardians are hot, their hot stretch isn't thanks to one of the best players on the roster, as Guardians three-time Gold Glove outfielder Steven Kwan has struggled a lot lately.
Matthew Schmidt of Sports Illustrated highlighted Kwan's struggles and questioned whether Kwan is "becoming a problem for the Guardians?" Based on his offensive production, Kwan has been an issue for the Guardians.
In August, Kwan is hitting .195 over 41 at-bats in nine games. He has eight hits, five runs scored, one double, one RBI, one walk, five strikeouts, and a .434 OPS in this span. His offensive regression is stark and is a concern for Schmidt.
"This is definitely concerning for Cleveland," Schmidt writes, "both in terms of its chances of making the postseason this year and for its future as a whole. Why? Because you will absolutely have to start wondering if it's worth paying Kwan a major money over the long haul if this is what will keep happening to his bat."
At 27 years old, Kwan is still an elite defender and could win the Gold Glove in left field for the fourth time in his career. But, with his offensive regression in the second half of 2025, there are real concerns over his long-term viability offensively.
MORE: Guardians' veteran right-handed pitcher sold to KBO Lotte Giants
The Guardians held onto Kwan through the trade deadline, despite fielding offers from multiple teams. If his offensive production doesn't turn around, his trade value will be lower, and yet, Kwan will still likely demand a big payday once he's a free agent.
Some hitters can struggle at the plate while still hitting the occasional home run. Kwan is not a home run hitter, severely diminishing his offensive upside if his average is low.
Kwan could still turn things around and put these concerns to rest. But, with his free agency just 2.5 years away, there's a lot more discussion to be had about his future in Cleveland.
While Schmidt doesn't outright call for Kwan's trade, it is something the Guardians already considered when Kwan was playing significantly better than he is now.
His recent struggles haven't been as prominent thanks to the Guardians slowly closing the gap with the Tigers. But, come the end of the year, there might be more discussions needed to be had about Kwan's future with the team.
For the fan favorite left fielder, those will be difficult conversations. But for the future of the franchise, it might be wise to prepare for a future without him, especially with his struggles since the start of August.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Padres' Mason Miller breaks silence on potential switch to starting rotation
- Cardinals' pair of left-handed-hitting outfielders could be dealt in offseason
- Astros' Carlos Correa reveals Gold Glove influence amid third base transition
- Cardinals' Oli Marmol provides bleak Nolan Arenado injury update
- Padres' Michael King gets encouraging contract extension update
- Tigers top prospects could be impacted by $130 million Roman Anthony Red Sox contract