MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays Among 4 Teams Linked To Steven Kwan

Steven Kwan is a prime trade candidate for the Guardians

The devastating news of Cleveland Guardians closer—and top trade candidate—Emmanuel Clase being shut down by MLB for at least a month due to a gambling investigation has left the Cleveland team gasping for air. They're likely now full-out sellers at the deadline over the next two days.

Outfielder Steven Kwan, a three-time Gold Glover and two-time All-Star, has risen to the top of many trade boards. Insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports there is "a ton" of interest, and names four teams in pursuit.

(Kwan) is drawing “a ton” of interest, according to a club source, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres believed to be among the teams in the mix.

There are myriad reasons that Kwan is such an intriguing trade candidate, from his consistent production and defense, to his controllability. But the price to land him will be huge.

The Guardians intend to set a high bar for their desired return. The combination of Kwan’s age, additional years of control and offensive, defensive and base-running ability makes him perhaps the best position player available.

Kwan is hitting .287 with a .351 on-base and a 111 OPS+. He's next to impossible to strike out, ranking in the 100th percentile in baseball in Whiff % and the 99th percentile in K %, per Baseball Savant. On the defensive side of the ball, he's in the 100th percentile in 'Arm Value'.

The Dodgers are desperately looking for an upgrade on Michael Conforto in their outfield, while the Phillies and Padres have been looking for an impact player in the outfield all season long. As for Toronto, Kwan's defensive acumen with no regard to power makes for a typical Jays' target. Moreover, the potential loss of George Springer after a nasty hit to his head on a fastball makes it even more imperative that they land another player to fill the OF/DH spots.