For Cleveland Guardians fans, the leadoff spot has become a growing concern. Steven Kwan, once a reliable table-setter, is struggling mightily at the top of the lineup—and the numbers are impossible to ignore.

The role of a leadoff hitter is simple: get on base. But since May 2025, Kwan ranks 143rd out of 145 qualified hitters in OPS. This season alone, he's 165th out of 177 players. Those are bottom-of-the-barrel numbers for someone tasked with igniting the offense.

Last year, Kwan posted a career-low .330 on-base percentage. This season, that number has dropped even further to .304. His OPS has fallen from a career-low .705 in 2025 to just .573 so far in 2026. Without power to lean on, Kwan's game has always relied on singles and walks—but those are drying up too.

While Kwan still makes contact at an elite level, declining bat speed is showing up across his underlying metrics. The result is a near-zero presence at the top of the Guardians' order, which is hurting the team's ability to score runs.

It may be time for a change—even if it's temporary. Moving Kwan down in the lineup could take pressure off him and help him rediscover his swing. More importantly, it could give Cleveland a much-needed spark at the leadoff spot. The Guardians have options, and the numbers suggest they should explore them.