Phillies’ trade target could be a game-changer

With left fielder Max Kepler struggling, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly among teams interested in dealing for Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan.

In early July, per Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski dismissed the idea of acquiring another outfielder, noting that all outfielders on the market were struggling. But his stance apparently has changed.

With closer Emmanuel Clase on mandatory leave, the Guardians (52-54) may be sellers before Thursday’s trade deadline (6 p.m. ET). 

Per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, “(Kwan) is drawing ‘a ton’ of interest, according to a club source, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres believed to be among the teams in the mix.”

If Kwan is on the trading block, expect fierce competition for his services. Entering play Tuesday, the 27-year-old leftfielder is hitting .287/.351/.411 with nine home runs and 11 steals. His .287 average (22^nd highest in baseball) would be the second highest on the Phillies, behind only SS Trea Turner. 

In four big-league seasons, Kwan has batted better than .290 twice. His .351 on-base percentage this season, while impressive, is his second-lowest mark, falling just short of his career .357 OBP. 

Kwan rarely whiffs or strikeouts, landing among the best in both categories every year since his debut in 2022. His -1 outs above average this season doesn’t offer a significant improvement to the Phillies’ scuffling outfield defense, but he is a plus defender, winning Gold Gloves (three) every year of his career. Kwan is under contract through 2027, which would make him a fixture for the near future of any team that lands him. 

If the Phillies were to acquire him, Kwan would replace Kepler, who signed with Philadelphia in December but has disappointed. He has a slash line of .205/.301/.361 with 11 home runs.

For the Phillies, who could use a boost in the outfield, Kwan could be a transformational player.