Royals could make a bold trade for Steven Kwan and reshape their lineup

Kansas City Royals fans should get ready for rumors galore when it comes to the outfield this offseason. It is clearly the biggest area of weakness on the roster, but also one that can be addressed this offseason. There are a few eligible free agents if the Royals want to go that route, or they can make a trade for a star player.

One name that has resurfaced in the rumor mill is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. FanSided's MLB Insider Robert Murray cited the likelihood of Kwan getting dealt this offseason. Murray did not mention the Royals as a possible trade destinations for Kwan, but that doesn't mean they couldn't be involved.

The Royals only have one spot in their outfield locked up heading into the offseason. Jac Cagilanone will certainly be holding down the fort in right field unless they trade Vinnie Pasquantino and want to move Cags to first. Kansas City needs to address center and left field this winter, and doing so with a marquee player should be at the forefront of J.J. Picollo's mind.

Guardians' outfielder Steven Kwan would be a perfect fit for the Royals

Kwan would be a perfect fit for the Royals. He is a multi-time Gold Glove winner in left field who played about 50% of last season in center and, metrically, was better there this season. He could easily handle either position, and it would allow the organization to stay flexible during the offseason on who they can acquire for the other spot.

Offensively, Kwan has been one of the better outfielders for the past few years. While he's not a power threat, his .282 batting average since his call-up in 2022 is the 5th best among players with more than 2000 plate appearances during that span. He is third in triples, 14th in doubles, and one of just two outfielders to have more walks than strikeouts (the other is Juan Soto).

The 29-year-old would be the perfect leadoff hitter in front of Bobby Witt Jr. Over the last five seasons, Kwan has the most hits and doubles leading off the game, as well as the third-lowest strikeout rate.

Kwan has the ninth-highest fWAR among outfields since 2022. While some would rightfully think that would make him expensive heading into his final year of arbitration, MLB Trade Rumors projects that his 2027 salary will only be $11.3 million; a very manageable salary for the Royals to handle.

The biggest obstacle in acquiring the 29-year-old would be the in-division tax the Royals would have to pay to get the deal done. Rivals don't like doing deals with each other, and they'll put an extra premium on deals with each other. Look at the trade deadline, when the Boston Red Sox had to send three of their top five prospects, plus two other players, to the Baltimore Orioles for Adley Rutschman.

It would be worth it. Not only is he an elite defender, but placing him in front of Witt in the lineup would create so many runs. Even if he costs a little more, the Royals need to at least be picking up the phone to check on Kwan's availability this winter.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow