The timing couldn’t be worse for Cleveland.
Just a few days before the trade deadline, Cleveland Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave in connection with a sports gambling investigation. He will be out of action through at least August as the league continues its investigation.
If this had happened in May, the Guardians likely weather it. Now? With a 53-54 record and dwindling hopes of a playoff spot, they might have no choice but to pivot and make tough calls on players they otherwise had no intention of trading.
And for the Philadelphia Phillies, who have had their eye on Steven Kwan, it might be the break they needed.
Emmanuel Clase Situation Forces Cleveland to Consider Trading Steven Kwan
The Phillies have been linked to Kwan for weeks, but it felt like wishful thinking more than anything else, as Cleveland had no reason to trade the 27-year-old left fielder, a three-time Gold Glove winner who has become a consistent offensive producer in his first four seasons. Especially when he is under team control for two more seasons.
But with Clase now facing an uncertain future, the Guardians are reportedly ready to move away from win-now decisions and toward long-term reshuffling. That means listening to offers on core pieces like Kwan.
There doesn’t seem to be a more perfect fit for a trade than the Phillies, who have the prospect depth, the playoff urgency, and the need for a player like Kwan.
Through 101 games, Kwan has posted a slash line of .286/.351/.410 that is amazingly similar to his career slash (.285/.358/.398). He has only 38 strikeouts against 40 walks in 448 plate appearances, and Kwan has provided his usual stellar defense.
The Phillies have a need for more of everything in their outfield. Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas have underwhelmed as a platoon in center field, and Gabe Kapler has been a disappointment in left field. Kwan would represent a significant upgrade.
The question, as always: what would it take?
Just a week ago, Cleveland was asking for top-tier returns — controllable arms, polished talent, something close to an overpay. But with Clase out and the Guardians potentially shifting into damage control, the ask may shift from ceiling to stability.
That works to Philly’s benefit.
Steven Kwan Would Fit Perfectly in Phillies Outfield
In a Tuesday article for The Athletic, Tim Britton suggested a potential trade for Kwan could bring a return comparable to what the Tampa Bay Rays received last summer for outfielder Randy Arozarena, when they landed the Nos. 12 and 22 prospects in Seattle’s system, along with a low-level pitcher.
Cleveland’s list of top prospects is short on pitchers, while the Phillies have pieces that might appeal to the Guardians, including Mick Abel. Philadelphia’s No. 6 prospect, Abel made his MLB debut earlier this season, but with top prospect Andrew Painter waiting to join what is already one of the strongest starting staffs in the league, Matt Gelb of the Athletic recently predicted that Abel will likely be included in a trade at the upcoming deadline.
“No one ever has enough starting pitching, which is why Abel’s renaissance season is important,” Gelb wrote. “He was a first-round pick for a reason, and he’s regained confidence. But he projects as the sixth or seventh starter now and in 2026 for the Phillies. That makes him a trade chip.”
A package of Abel and High-A left-hander Mavis Graves (No. 19 prospect) should get Cleveland’s attention. Add another piece to that, and the Phillies may wind up acquiring the type of high-contact bat that often makes a difference in the playoffs.
All that’s left is for Philadelphia to pick up the phone.
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