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The San Diego Padres are poised for a transformative offseason, with speculation mounting that they could swing a blockbuster trade for a star outfielder. After a strong 2026 campaign, the Padres are aiming to elevate their roster and may target Cleveland Guardians All-Star Steven Kwan.
Robert Murray of FanSided suggested that acquiring Kwan should be a priority for San Diego. Murray noted that the Guardians might be open to listening to offers for Kwan, who is set to become a free agent after the 2027 season. "The Padres have shown past interest in Kwan, and [president of baseball operations AJ] Preller loves star players," Murray wrote. "Perhaps that is something that the organization could revisit, with Kwan ranking sixth in baseball in fWAR from June 30 to the end of the season."
Preller has aggressively pursued Kwan before, but Cleveland has maintained a high asking price for the two-time All-Star. With San Diego seeking to strengthen its roster, another run at Kwan could be on the table.
Steven Kwan Could Fill a Major Need in San Diego
The Padres have several areas to address this winter, with outfield help topping the list. San Diego also desires another left-handed hitter, and Kwan fits that profile perfectly.
Kwan, 29, has spent his entire career with the Guardians and has been a cornerstone for the franchise. In 2026, he batted .282 with a .731 OPS, three home runs, 32 RBIs, and 152 hits across 151 games.
Left field has been a revolving door for the Padres in recent seasons, with 12 different players logging time there. In the playoffs, San Diego relied on Samad Taylor and Dustin Harris, but a significant upgrade at the position could resolve one of the team's most pressing issues.
Adding Kwan would be a major boost, as he would fill the persistent void in left field while providing elite on-base skills and outstanding defense. The All-Star outfielder has won four Gold Gloves in his career.
Kwan remains under team control through 2027, making it intriguing to see what the Guardians would demand in a potential winter trade. The Padres could look vastly different by the 2027 season, and likely for the better.
It will be fascinating to observe how the Padres prioritize their roster in the coming months. Kwan, however, could be an excellent option.