The Los Angeles Dodgers were connected to multiple scenarios at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, when reported Steven Kwan negotiations emerged as one of more prevalent possibilities.
That was part of the Dodgers’ wide search for outfield help as their Michael Conforto signing was not producing positive results.
It appeared at one point that the Kwan sweepstakes would come down to a pair of National League West foes in the Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Particularly once the Cleveland Guardians traded Shane Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays.
However, Kwan ultimately stayed put and the Guardians made a late push to win the American League Central. But after getting eliminated in the Wild Card Series, a Kwan trade is again considered a possibility.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers figure to again be interested in completing a Kwan trade:
They nearly traded him to the Dodgers at the trade deadline and Los Angeles will come calling again. The price-tag will be high, but the Dodgers certainly have the prospect capital.
Although the 28-year-old fits a clear need for the Dodgers in left field, there are other factors that don’t make him much of an appealing solution.
Kwan’s average exit velocity, hard-hit percentage and bat speed are all subpar.
He has won a Gold Glove Award every year from 2002-2025, but it’s come with a curious drop off in speed and outs above average percentiles since last season. Kwan additionally finished second among all left fielders with eight errors in 2025.
Steven Kwan under team control
Among the benefits to a Kwan trade for the Dodgers would be that he is not due to become a free agent until after the 2027 season. Thus, acquiring Kwan would give the team an everyday answer in left field for the next two years.
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