The Cleveland Guardians haven’t been aggressive at all this offseason, as the largest contract they have given out in free agency so far is just $1.5 million. It’s frustrating for fans to see that on the heels of consecutive AL Central crowns, but there are plenty of prospects on the way who could provide the added thump this roster needs to get over the hump.

Two of those young guys are Chase DeLauter and George Valera, who could occupy two of the starting outfield spots on Opening Day if things go according to plan. That would give the Guardians a much-improved outfield compared to last year, provided star left-fielder Steven Kwan doesn’t get traded like one Bleacher Report writer recently proposed.

Kerry Miller recently wrote an article floating ten trade ideas from around the league. Guardians fans won’t want to hear it, but he proposed a trade that would send Kwan to the Houston Astros.

Guardians get: Houston Astros send IF Brice Matthews, RHP Spencer Arrighetti and C Walker Janek

Astros get: Steven Kwan (27.4 median surplus)

For a team that had such a repugnant offensive season last year, it would be a tough sell to this fan base if one of their two All-Star hitters was traded before the season started. DeLauter and Valera would then have all the pressure in the world on them if this happened, so if Kwan is floated on the market, it would probably be more of a trade deadline thing.

Kwan has two years of control left and had his worst offensive season in 2025, so there’s a world where the front office decides now is the time to cash out. Matthews and Arrighetti would be two legitimate pieces coming back in return. Arrighetti just turned 26 and could certainly establish himself as a fixture in the rotation, while Matthews has All-Star potential and could lock down the middle infield alongside Travis Bazzana for years to come.

Obviously this is just an idea, and trading Kwan would not be palatable at the moment, but Cleveland would have to consider it if it was faced with the prospect of receiving a substantial return like this.


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7 Guardians Players Land On Top Prospect List