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As the MLB offseason gets underway, the Philadelphia Phillies are exploring ways to enhance their roster after a brief postseason appearance in 2026. The Phillies secured a Wild Card berth but were eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in three games in the NL Wild Card Series. With the 2027 season on the horizon, the team is evaluating potential moves to strengthen their lineup and contend deeper into October.
One name that has surfaced as an ideal trade candidate is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. CBS Sports' Dayn Perry recently compiled a list of the top 25 MLB trade candidates for the 2026-27 offseason, and Kwan features prominently as a player who could be on the move before Opening Day 2027.
Kwan's skill set aligns well with what Philadelphia needs. He is a contact-oriented hitter who consistently puts the ball in play and avoids strikeouts. Defensively, he is a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder, having won four consecutive Gold Glove Awards in left field. In 2026, he split time between left and center field, playing 98 games in left and 88 in center.
During the 2026 season, Kwan slashed .282/.382/.349 with 21 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 80 runs scored, 32 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, and a .731 OPS. He drew a career-high 85 walks while striking out only 62 times. The 29-year-old also posted a 5.0+ WAR season for the second time in his career. Kwan contributed to a Guardians team that won the AL Central, overcame a 0-2 deficit against the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS, and eventually fell to the Tampa Bay Rays in six games in the ALCS.
With Kwan set to hit free agency after the 2027 season, speculation is growing that Cleveland might trade him this offseason. The Guardians have a history of dealing talented players the year before they reach free agency, and Kwan is a key asset who is anticipated to enter the open market in 2028. Perry categorizes Kwan as a bold possibility from contenders—a core contributor on a team with legitimate playoff aspirations who could still be moved due to salary escalation, roster needs elsewhere, or to make room for a high-ceiling prospect.
Perry identifies the Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners as the most likely destinations for Kwan this offseason. He estimates a 30% chance that Kwan gets traded. For Philadelphia, adding an elite defensive outfielder who puts the ball in play and limits strikeouts would be a significant boost to their roster.
Key Analysis
Kwan's combination of on-base skills, contact hitting, and elite defense makes him a valuable asset for any team. The Phillies, who struggled with consistency at times in 2026, could benefit from his steady presence at the top of the lineup and his Gold Glove defense in the outfield. However, acquiring him would likely require a substantial trade package, and the Guardians may be reluctant to part with a fan favorite unless the return is compelling. As the offseason progresses, Kwan's situation will be one to watch.