It would also significantly strengthen their outfield.
The San Francisco Giants have had difficulties attracting top free agents, which is why they should consider making a major trade this offseason. One potential target is Bay Area native, who could strengthen their outfield.
He, now 27, was born in Los Gatos, California, and grew up in Fremont. He made his MLB debut with Cleveland in 2022, showcasing his contact-hitting abilities with a .298/.373/.400 slash line, along with 6 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases.
Though his average dipped to .268 in 2023, He bounced back in 2024, hitting .292/.368/.425 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs. His strong performance earned him his first All-Star appearance, where he started alongside Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
SF Giants should trade for Bay Area native Steven Kwan
Now, Kwan and the Guardians are set to face the Yankees in the ALCS. Kwan played a key role in helping the Guardians advance past the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS, going 11-for-21 at the plate and scoring 6 runs. Serving as Cleveland’s leadoff hitter, he excelled in setting the tone, and the team will rely on him to continue that performance against the Yankees.
Regardless of how the rest of the postseason unfolds, it won’t be easy for the Giants to pry Kwan away from the Guardians. He’s a fan favorite and a key part of their future plans.
Nevertheless, the Giants should seriously consider making a strong trade offer for Kwan. Packaging outfielders Mike Yastrzemski, Luis Matos, and pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt could potentially be enough to bring Kwan back to the Bay Area.
Yastrzemski would provide a short-term solution in the outfield, Matos offers a long-term replacement, and Whisenhunt, as a top prospect, has the potential to strengthen Cleveland’s rotation.
Though it would be a significant price for the Giants to pay, acquiring Kwan would signal a full commitment to a defense-first strategy while boosting their ability to manufacture runs. Kwan is among the best defensive left fielders in baseball, and alongside Jung Hoo Lee in center and Heliot Ramos in right, the Giants would boast an elite defensive outfield.
Additionally, Kwan’s speed and contact-hitting ability would improve the Giants’ run production. With players like Kwan, Lee, Tyler Fitzgerald, and possibly Ha-Seong Kim, the Giants could pose a real threat on the base paths, which was lacking in 2024.
While trading for Kwan would be neither easy nor cheap, it could be the most impactful way for the Giants to upgrade their outfield and improve their offense heading into 2025.
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