With left fielder Max Kepler struggling, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly amongst groups taken with 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) could also be sellers earlier than Thursday’s commerce deadline (6 p.m. ET).
Per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, “(Kwan) is drawing ‘a ton’ of curiosity, based on a membership supply, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres believed to be among the many groups within the combine.”
If Kwan is on the buying and selling block, anticipate fierce competitors for his companies. Getting into play Tuesday, the 27-year-old leftfielder is hitting .287/.351/.411 with 9 house runs and 11 steals. His .287 common (22nd highest in baseball) could be the second highest on the Phillies, behind solely SS Trea Turner.
In 4 big-league seasons, Kwan has batted higher than .290 twice. His .351 on-base share this season, whereas spectacular, is his second-lowest mark, falling simply wanting his profession .357 OBP.
Kwan rarely whiffs or strikeouts, touchdown among the many greatest in each classes yearly since his debut in 2022. His -1 outs above common this season doesn’t supply a major enchancment to the Phillies’ scuffling outfield protection, however he’s a plus defender, successful Gold Gloves (three) yearly of his profession. Kwan is beneath contract via 2027, which might make him a fixture for the close to way forward for any group that lands him.
If the Phillies have been to accumulate him, Kwan would substitute Kepler, who signed with Philadelphia in December however has dissatisfied. He has a slash line of .205/.301/.361 with 11 house runs.
For the Phillies, who may use a lift within the outfield, Kwan may very well be a transformational participant.
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