The Cleveland Guardians enter this offseason facing a familiar, delicate balancing act: build for the future without sacrificing the present. Their farm system continues to produce intriguing talent, and their reputation for developing young players remains strong. Yet at the Major League level, the need for stability, consistent offense, and veteran reliability remains just as critical as ever.
One question looms larger than all the others: What happens if Steven Kwan is traded?
Kwan has become one of the faces of the franchise in recent seasons. An All-Star, a Gold Glove–caliber defender, and a relentless competitor, he represents everything Cleveland fans admire in a baseball player. His ability to make consistent contact, work counts, and cover massive ground in the outfield has made him indispensable both on the field and in the clubhouse. He is the type of player organizations usually build around — not trade away.
However, baseball is as much about business and timing as it is about sentiment. With Kwan’s reputation soaring around the league, his value on the trade market may never be higher. If Cleveland is unable — or unwilling — to meet his future contract demands, the front office could reach the difficult conclusion that dealing him now would be the most pragmatic long-term decision. Should that scenario unfold, the Guardians will need a clear plan to replace both his production and his presence.
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One intriguing solution has been floated: St. Louis Cardinals All-Star and utility standout Brendan Donovan.
Why the Guardians Are Weighing Outside Options
The Guardians’ need to improve their offensive output is no secret. At times last season, scoring runs felt like a grind. Despite having players who consistently put the ball in play, Cleveland often struggled to string together extra-base hits and deliver with runners in scoring position. While their pitching and defense kept them competitive, the lack of consistent offense made it difficult to separate themselves in the American League race.
This is where the trade and free-agent markets become critical. Cleveland has never been a franchise that spends wildly in free agency. Instead, the organization has built its success on smart trades, targeted acquisitions, and player development. That makes the idea of trading for Brendan Donovan a particularly “Guardians-type” move.
Donovan is not a flashy superstar. He won’t generate constant national headlines or dominate highlight reels every night. What he will do is exactly what Cleveland needs more of: get on base, make productive contact, play solid defense, and adapt to whatever role is required of him.
His profile is that of a modern, well-rounded ballplayer — disciplined at the plate, comfortable hitting line drives all over the field, and capable of playing multiple positions both in the infield and outfield. For a team that values versatility, efficiency, and baseball IQ, Donovan checks many boxes.
A Natural Fit in Cleveland’s System
If Kwan were traded, the Guardians would be left with a significant hole in left field — both defensively and offensively. Donovan, while not the defender Kwan is, would provide a competent, reliable replacement and offer lineup flexibility few others could match.
Cleveland’s system already features several promising young players, most notably:
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Chase DeLauter – An athletic, high-upside outfielder with the potential to handle center field.
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C.J. Kayfus – A developing first baseman with strong offensive instincts.
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George Valera – A long-discussed outfield prospect with dynamic tools.
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Jhonkensy Noel – A power hitter capable of changing games with one swing.
On paper, it’s an exciting group. In reality, it’s also a risky one to rely on entirely.
Injuries have already slowed the progress of some of these names. Others are still refining key parts of their game. Expecting them to step into full-time Major League roles immediately — especially after trading away a cornerstone like Kwan — would be asking for trouble.
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That’s why Donovan makes so much sense from a strategic perspective. He would act as a bridge between the present and the future. His presence would give Cleveland breathing room to develop its young players properly, instead of rushing them into roles they may not yet be ready to handle.
With DeLauter projected as a potential center-field option and Kayfus as a solution at first base, Donovan’s ability to shift between the outfield and infield creates natural lineup fluidity. It also protects the Guardians from being thin at any one position due to injuries or underperformance.
The Business Reality of Steven Kwan
There is no sugarcoating the fact that trading Steven Kwan would be a devastating emotional blow to many fans. He plays the game the right way, connects with the community, and embodies the identity Cleveland has built for itself. But contract extensions are often where sentiment meets economic reality.
If Kwan’s asking price climbs into a range that Cleveland views as unsustainable, the front office will be forced to decide: risk losing him in the future for minimal return, or trade him now when his value is at its peak?
If that choice is made, the focus will immediately shift from the loss to the return package. The goal will not be to “win” the trade emotionally, but to maintain competitiveness and long-term health as an organization. Donovan would not be the only piece coming back in such a scenario, but he could be a major-league-ready cornerstone of the deal.
And while he might never replicate Kwan’s defensive brilliance exactly, his offensive consistency and versatility could stabilize the lineup in a different — but still effective — way.
Staying Competitive in the AL Race
The American League continues to grow more competitive each year. Teams are stacking talent, investing heavily, and utilizing analytics at unprecedented levels. For the Guardians to remain relevant in that environment, standing still is not an option.
A player like Donovan would quietly but meaningfully raise Cleveland’s floor:
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He lengthens the lineup by offering a dependable bat.
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He reduces pressure on young hitters by adding a known contributor.
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He offers defensive flexibility that allows better matchup management.
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He fits within Cleveland’s financial approach.
These are not small advantages over a 162-game season.
And perhaps most importantly, acquiring a player like Donovan sends a message to the clubhouse: the organization still believes in competing now, not just building for “someday.” That message can matter immensely for morale, momentum, and buy-in from the rest of the roster.
A Defining Offseason for the Guardians
Ultimately, this isn’t just about Brendan Donovan or Steven Kwan. It’s about direction. The upcoming months represent a defining moment for Cleveland’s trajectory. Are they committing fully to a youth movement, accepting the growing pains that come with it? Or are they seeking balance — blending developing stars with proven players who can keep the team in the playoff conversation?
The answer may lie somewhere in the middle. And if Cleveland does choose to move Kwan, it will be essential that the return matches both the present and the future. Donovan is not a perfect replacement — because no one truly replaces a player like Steven Kwan — but he may represent the type of steady, intelligent addition that allows the Guardians to evolve without collapsing.
Whether through trade, internal promotions, or a mix of both, the Guardians will be aggressive in finding ways to score more runs, extend their lineup, and stay relevant in a fiercely competitive American League landscape.
One way or another, change is coming to Cleveland’s outfield.
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