Guardians Face Tough Decision on Steven Kwan's Future

As two years remain before free agency, Cleveland must decide whether to sign their star outfielder to an extension or risk losing him.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Cleveland Guardians face a pivotal decision on the future of their star outfielder Steven Kwan. With only two years remaining before Kwan hits free agency, the team must decide whether to sign him to a long-term extension or risk losing him. Guardians President Chris Antonetti has acknowledged the urgency, but Kwan may be tempted by the siren call of free agency after investing six years in the majors and several more in the minors. The situation is complicated by the Guardians' offensive struggles and the potential labor uncertainty surrounding the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Kwan represents everything the Guardians value - elite defense, on-base skills, contact hitting, and a prototypical leadoff profile. Losing him would be devastating for an offense that struggled to improve this offseason. However, the team must weigh the long-term financial implications of a potential extension against the risk of Kwan hitting the open market. The approaching labor situation adds another layer of complexity to the decision.

The details

Kwan has already expressed openness to extension talks, but as he inches closer to free agency, the allure may grow stronger. During last season's trade deadline, the Guardians noted high trade interest in Kwan from other teams. The team faces a difficult balancing act between the present and future, as Kwan's perfect fit in their lineup makes him a particularly challenging case compared to past midseason trades of expiring contracts.

  • Kwan has two years of team control remaining before free agency.
  • The Guardians must decide on a potential extension this spring, as it will be nearly impossible to sign him to one if he enters his final year of team control.

The players

Steven Kwan

A four-time Gold Glove winning left fielder and the Guardians' spark plug leadoff hitter.

Chris Antonetti

The Guardians' President, who has acknowledged the urgency around Kwan's contract situation.

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What they’re saying

“We've still got two years left with Kwan. We've got plenty of opportunities to talk to him about an extension.”

— Chris Antonetti, Guardians President (cleveland.com)

“I would think if you want to sign him to an extension, you've probably got to get it done this spring. Because if you don't get it this year, he's one year away from free agency, and that's nearly impossible to sign a player to an extension then, unless you just blow them away.”

— Paul Hoynes, Guardians beat reporter (Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast)

What’s next

The Guardians must decide whether to sign Kwan to a contract extension this spring or risk losing him to free agency after the 2027 season.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Guardians' perpetual balancing act between the present and future, as they must weigh Kwan's perfect fit in their lineup against the long-term financial implications of a potential extension. The approaching labor uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the decision.