MLB insider reveals Guardians' trade demands for Steven Kwan

While the Cleveland Guardians aren't far out of a postseason spot, sitting just 4.5 games back, they are expected to sell at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. The team is even listening to offers for Steven Kwan.

But, those offers are unlikely to be what it would cost to land Kwan. MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed what kind of deal the Guardians would want in return for Kwan, and it's a steep asking price.

"They might also consider moving left fielder Steven Kwan," Bowden writes, "but would deal the three-time Gold Glove Award winner only if they're overwhelmed and can win a deal outright."

The Guardians are considering moving Kwan at the deadline, but there's a huge caveat: the team would need to be blown away by an offer. Kwan is still under team control through 2027, and would be a huge pickup for any team looking to land him.

However, to land Kwan in a deal with the Guardians, a team would have to give up a significant amount of assets. As Bowden mentions, the Guardians would have to feel as if they're winning the deal outright.

MORE: Guardians trade negotiations 'frustrating' MLB teams ahead of deadline

Do reach such a point, the team trading for Kwan would likely need to give up multiple top prospects and potentially multiple Major Leaguers who have years of control and plenty of potential.

But, with such a high bar to reach in trade negotiations, a move for the Guardians' Gold Glove outfielder seems unlikely. The two-time All-Star has been one of the better outfielders since his debut in 2022.

Adding a player like him to a team would, unsurprisingly, cost a fortune. And while the Guardians are considering offers, those offers are likely to fall short of their demands. 

Regardless of how great the return looks. While there have been teams, like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to Kwan, a trade is incredibly unlikely.

Kwan has been a foundational piece of the Cleveland offense, and moving on from him wouldn't be easy. The only way to justify it would be to, in Bowden's words, win the deal outright.

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