San Diego was listed as a "best fit" for Steven Kwan.
Another year, another summer of hanging behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the San Diego Padres.
While the Padres have narrowed the rivalry gap over the last five seasons or so, the hated Dodgers remain baseball’s top dog. As the trade deadline approaches, San Diego should do everything in its power to capitalize on its impressive roster, particularly with an older core.
Should the Padres go all-in, one potential trade option is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan.
Here is what Jeff Passan of ESPN, who listed San Diego as a “best fit,” had to say about Kwan:
“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. 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.”
To acquire a player of Kwan’s caliber, the Padres would likely have to sacrifice at least one of their top prospects, such as SS Leo De Vries (No. 1), C Ethan Salas (No. 2), or LHP Kash Mayfield (No. 3).
While the cost may ultimately be too rich for San Diego’s liking, pairing Kwan with this already loaded lineup would cause headaches for even the most talented National League pitching staffs.
Furthermore, the Padres’ biggest offensive weaknesses are catcher and left field. Imagine replacing Jason Hayward with Kwan, who does many of the same things but at a much, much higher level.
Windows do not stay open forever, and if San Diego can pull the trigger, it may finally break through for that first World Series.
Category: Baseball
