Steven Kwan is the kind of player who doesn’t always make the highlight reel — but he’s always in the lineup, always on base, and always making the pitcher work. The Cleveland Guardians‘ left fielder has carved out a real spot in the big leagues since debuting in 2022, and his numbers back it up: a .292 average and .793 OPS in 2024 from a 28-year-old who grew up far from baseball’s traditional hotbeds.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Steven Kwan
- Position: Left Field
- Team: Cleveland Guardians
- Number: 38
- Bats / Throws: Left / Left
- Height / Weight: 5’8″ / 170 lbs
- Born: September 5, 1997 — Los Gatos, California 🇺🇸
- MLB Debut: April 7, 2022
Background
Kwan grew up in Los Gatos, right in the heart of Silicon Valley — not exactly a place known for producing big leaguers. His path to the majors was patient and methodical, shaped by years in Cleveland’s minor league system where he honed his contact approach and on-base instincts. He made his MLB debut on April 7, 2022, and hasn’t looked back since. His plate discipline stood out immediately — rare for a player that young.
Professional Career
Kwan has grown into one of the steadier pieces in Cleveland’s lineup. His 2024 season was his best yet: a .292 average, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 83 runs scored, and a .793 OPS — a number that shows he can both get on base and do damage when he swings.
In 2025, he showed off more of his all-around game: a .272 average, 11 home runs, 56 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases — a sign that his value goes well beyond the bat. He’s a threat on the basepaths too.
Through 2026, his numbers have been more modest (.268 AVG, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 50 runs, 8 steals), but Kwan continues to bring real value with his glove and speed in left field.
Career Stats at a Glance
- 2024: .292 AVG | 14 HR | 44 RBI | 83 R | .793 OPS | 12 SB
- 2025: .272 AVG | 11 HR | 56 RBI | 81 R | .704 OPS | 21 SB
- 2026: .268 AVG | 2 HR | 22 RBI | 50 R | .697 OPS | 8 SB
Awards and Recognition
Kwan hasn’t won a Silver Slugger or MVP award yet, but he’s consistently in the conversation when it comes to underrated contributors in the American League. His value is built game by game — no flashy headlines, just steady production and solid defense.
Fun Fact
Kwan’s Korean surname and heritage make him part of the growing wave of Asian-American players making their mark in the big leagues. And coming from Los Gatos — where pro baseball isn’t exactly a local tradition — his story is a reminder that talent finds a way no matter where you grow up.
