The Chicago Cubs are set for an enormous offseason. Most of their rotation is heading to free company, together with a number of Commerce Deadline acquisitions.
Chicago’s outfield might additionally look drastically totally different in 2027, with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki set to hit free company.
FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote that if the Cubs lose one or each of Happ and Suzuki, they might look to the commerce marketplace for Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan.
“One other participant who will likely be getting into the ultimate season of his contract, Kwan is a participant on the radar of groups throughout the league,” Murray wrote. “The Padres make sense. The Cubs make sense. The Phillies make sense. A bunch of groups make sense.”
Why Do the Chicago Cubs Make Sense?
Cleveland drafted Kwan within the fifth spherical of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Oregon State College. He would debut in 2022 and end third in American League Rookie of the Yr voting.
In 5 seasons, he has gathered 22.0 bWAR, with 4 consecutive Gold Gloves to begin his profession, and an opportunity to earn a fifth consecutive in 2026.
An All-Star in 2024 and 2025, Kwan has been extremely in step with a .282/.357/.382 slash line in 5 seasons.
Nonetheless, the 2026 season might have been his most underrated season. In 151 video games, Kwan slashed .282/.382/.349 with three residence runs and 32 runs pushed in as a leadoff hitter.
Whereas the facility wasn’t precisely there, Kwan confirmed he can get on base at an elite charge and produced a 5.3 bWAR. Due to his defensive versatility, Kwan could be invaluable to the Cubs.
He doesn’t strike out, walks at a excessive charge, and makes nice contact, along with his elite protection.
Whereas it’s unclear what Cleveland would ask for in a commerce and if he’s even obtainable, Kwan could be a serious improve for Chicago. Kwan is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2027 season.
How Would Kwan Match on the Staff?
Celebrity Pete Crow-Armstrong has middle discipline locked down for the following a number of years in Chicago. This is able to imply a transfer to left discipline could be logical for Kwan if the Cubs purchase him. Kwan has performed 640 video games in left discipline versus 20 video games in proper discipline.
Whereas four-time Gold Glover Happ at present occupies that place, Chicago might transfer on from him after 10 seasons. This is able to create a gap for Kwan.
Happ is coming off a 2026 season the place he hit simply .218 with a .738 OPS. It could make sense to go along with a greater contact hitter, which the Cubs desperately want.
Crow-Armstrong was one of many solely certified Cubs hitters to bat even near Kwan’s common final season with a .280 common. Suzuki wasn’t too far off at .270, however he may very well be set for an enormous payday some other place.
Chicago goes to wish an outfielder this offseason, and Kwan may very well be the right candidate to interchange Happ or Suzuki.
Like HEAVY’s content material? Remember to observe us.
This text was initially printed on HEAVY
The publish Cubs Named as Potential Touchdown Spot for 2-Time All-Star Outfielder appeared first on HEAVY.
