The San Diego Padres are in the market for outfield help at the trade deadline. An area of struggle all season, making a splash move for a plus outfield bat could help put the team over the top in the National League.
One name that has come up recently in connection with the Padres is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Kwan is an elite contact hitter at the plate, and a gold glove-level fielder in the field.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan said that the Padres are considered a top fit for Kwan in the event that the Guardians trade him. While they aren’t jumping off the wall to deal the two-time All-Star, the Guardians — who are limping to a 52-53 record so far this season — would be silly to not listen to offers.
“An All-Star the past two years and Gold Glove winner in all three of his previous big league seasons, Kwan is a do-everything left fielder with elite bat-to-ball skills and two years of club control after 2025,” they wrote. “Cleveland doesn't want to deal him, but with a dearth of available bats, the Guardians at the very least will listen to see if teams are willing to blow them away with offers.”
On the season, Kwan is hitting .285 with 9 home runs and a .761 OPS. Acquiring Kwan would give the Padres a much-needed boost in the outfield, and would further deepen their lineup as they aim to make another deep postseason run in October.