The Cleveland Guardians made a calculated decision to hold onto their assets at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, and while it paid off with a postseason berth, their early exit against the Detroit Tigers left fans wondering what could have been. Now, as the 2026 season unfolds, that non-trade might be coming back to haunt them.

Currently sitting at 24-21 and atop the AL Central, the Guardians are in a surprising position: instead of selling, they might actually be buyers at this year's deadline. But if they want to make a serious run, they'll need to address a glaring weakness in the outfield. According to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, four-time Gold Glove outfielder Steven Kwan is the player who needs to break out of his slump—and fast.

Kwan, a fan favorite and defensive stalwart, has been struggling mightily at the plate. Through the early part of the season, he's flirting with the Mendoza Line, posting a .206 batting average with a .576 OPS. His 66 OPS+ is well below league average, and his -0.2 bWAR reflects a player who's been more of a liability than an asset. Miller notes that Kwan's struggles might be linked to his shifting between center and left field, after being primarily a left fielder in prior seasons. Whatever the cause, his offensive production has cratered—125 points below his career slugging average.

This downturn is particularly painful because the Guardians had ample opportunity to trade Kwan at the 2025 deadline. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres all expressed significant interest, and a deal could have brought back a haul of prospects or immediate help. Instead, Cleveland held onto their Gold Glove outfielder, hoping he'd return to form. But with Kwan now posting a .705 OPS last season—already below his career norms—and struggling even more this year, that decision looks increasingly questionable.

For a team that prides itself on developing talent and competing in a wide-open AL Central, Kwan's struggles represent a critical crossroads. If he can't turn things around soon, the Guardians might find themselves regretting their decision to keep him, especially as they eye a potential playoff push. An All-Star bid seems almost out of reach unless Kwan mounts a dramatic resurgence. For now, the clock is ticking on one of the game's most reliable defensive outfielders to rediscover his swing.