Framber Valdez of Houston Astros (Image via Getty) Houston Astros are reportedly interested in Cleveland Guardians’ Steven Kwan, a 28 year old LF. Trades like this usually come down to timing. One team is trying to win right now. The other is planning for what comes next. This hypothetical deal between Houston and Cleveland fits that pattern cleanly.Houston still has a strong core, but the window isn’t endless. Cleveland has shown before that it’s willing to trade established players when the return lines up with the future. Moving Steven Kwan for three younger pieces would follow that approach. The trade isn’t flashy, but it’s logical for both sides.Below is how the deal would look, what each team gets, and why it makes sense.
The trade setup
Proposed deal
Houston Astros receive
• Steven Kwan, LF, 28- Under club control through 2027- Projected 2026 salary: $7.725 million
Cleveland Guardians receive
• Brice Matthews, 2B/INF, 23- 2023 first-round pick (No. 28 overall)
Houston’s top prospect
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
• Spencer Arrighetti, RHP, 26- Young starter with remaining team control • Walker Janek, C, 21- 2024 first-round pick (No. 28 overall)- Defense-first catcher with upsideHouston would slot Kwan into left field immediately. Cleveland would add a potential everyday infielder, a rotation arm, and a long-term catching option.
What Houston Astros is getting in Steven Kwan
Steven Kwan’s value comes from consistency. He puts the ball in play, gets on base, and plays strong defense. He doesn’t need to carry a lineup. He just needs to do his job every day.That skill set fits well in Houston, where power already exists in the middle of the order.
Recent MLB production
YearTeamGPAAVGOBPSLGOPSHRSBBB%K% 2023 CLE 158 638 .268 .340 .370 .710 5 21 9.9% 15.2% 2024 CLE 122 480 .292 .368 .425 .793 14 12 10.6% 13.8% 2025* CLE ~130 ~520 ~.285 ~.360 ~.410 ~.770 ~12 ~15 ~10.0% ~14.0%*2025 numbers reflect expected production based on recent trends.Kwan doesn’t strike out much and doesn’t chase. He extends at-bats and plays reliable defense in left field. At his projected salary, he gives Houston solid value for a player who can help right away.
What Cleveland would receive
Brice Matthews
Matthews is the main piece coming back. He brings speed, power, and patience, with the ability to play multiple infield spots.LevelAgeGPAAVGOBPSLGHRSBOPS NCAA (Nebraska) 21 54 265 .359 .481 .723 20 20 1.204 Minors (A–AAA) 21–23 187 690 .280 .398 .478 26 56 .876 MLB (2025) 23 11 40 .143 .211 .400 3 0 .611The concern is his early major-league performance. The swing can get long, and strikeouts are part of the profile. Cleveland would be betting on development rather than current production.
Spencer Arrighetti
Arrighetti has already pitched in the majors and shown he can miss bats. Results have been uneven, and injuries have limited his availability.YearW-LERAIPSOWHIPK/9BB/9 2024 7–13 4.69 144.2 171 1.41 10.6 3.5 2025 1–5 5.35 35.1 31 1.42 7.9 5.1If healthy, he projects as a mid-rotation starter. Cleveland would be taking on some risk, but also gaining a controllable arm.
Walker Janek
Janek is known first for his defense. He’s a strong receiver with a good arm and projects as a long-term catcher. The bat is still a question, but there is power potential based on his college track record.He’s not close to the majors, but catching depth with defensive value is hard to find. Cleveland would be playing the long game here.
Why Houston Astros would do it
Houston Astros are focused on winning now. Steven Kwan gives them stability in left field and a dependable bat near the top of the lineup. He helps without needing the ball to leave the park.The cost is real. Matthews and Janek are important prospects. But Houston has shown before that it’s willing to trade future value to support the current core.
Why Cleveland would consider it
Cleveland would be turning one established player into three younger ones. That spreads risk and adds depth across multiple positions.Matthews could become a regular infielder. Arrighetti adds pitching depth. Janek addresses a long-term need behind the plate. None are sure things, but together they offer more total upside than holding one player through his arbitration years.
Pros and cons
Houston Astros
Pros • Immediate upgrade in left field • Strong on-base skills added to the lineup • Reasonable salary and controlCons • Loss of top prospects • Thinner farm system • Reduced long-term flexibility
Cleveland Guardians
Pros • Multiple controllable assets • Help at infield, pitcher, and catcher • Flexibility for future seasonsCons • Giving up a proven everyday player • Development risk • Delayed impact from Janek
Player snapshot
PlayerAge (2026)Position2025-26 profileStrengthsRisks Steven Kwan 28 LF .285 AVG, .360 OBP, ~12 HR, 15 SB Contact, defense Limited power Brice Matthews 23 2B/INF .280 AVG, .398 OBP (minors) Speed, discipline MLB strikeouts Spencer Arrighetti 26 SP 4.69 ERA, 1.41 WHIP Strikeouts Injuries Walker Janek 21 C Defense-first prospect Arm, receiving Bat still developingThis is a timing trade. Houston gets a player who helps immediately. Cleveland gets three players who might help for years.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Toronto Blue Jays emerging as favorites to land $400 million Houston Astros superstar in blockbuster offseason moveIf Houston is trying to squeeze the most out of its current roster, the deal makes sense. If Cleveland is thinking about the next cycle, it does too. Neither side is stealing value. They’re just choosing different paths.